Mark Sherratt

A thought about Community

2012-01-25T09:52:00.000Z

'We are not here to COMPETE with each other but to COMPLETE each other'.

Not one of us are smarter than all of us together! There are huge benefits and achievements when people choose unity.

Being in community is what we were made for and where we will find purpose and meaning.

Just think about the wisdom, creativity, education, value and increased effect there is when we work together.

I once heard John Maxwell say, 'Teamwork makes the dream work', I for one believe that.

Think about the way you work. Are you competing with your peers or completing your peers? Think about this. Who needs to change, you or others?

Think through the changes you can make or influence and go for it!

Beautiful things - love this video

2012-01-15T23:08:00.000Z

"Beautiful Things" Opener shot on Phantom Flex from Dan Rubottom on Vimeo.

Are You A Credible Leader?

2012-01-13T15:49:00.000Z

This is an absolutely brilliant post by Ron Edmondson and worthy of a read

Credibility is important in any leadership position. If a leader desires followers to willfully work with passion to reach an established vision, then he or she must be trusted. Credible leaders have followers that share the organization’s values and work hard to achieve them. When a person’s leadership is not credible, followers are less likely to be team players and will be disloyal to the organization.

Credibility in leadership is primarily established in one of three ways:

Gifted – For a brand new leader, there is sometimes a “gifting” period for credibility, at least by some in the organization. These people are willing to trust the leader until proven wrong. This period does not last long.

Borrowed – When a credible leader validates a new or existing leader it can often transfer the trust earned by the credible leader. A retiring pastor, for example, can often validate the incoming pastor who in turn receives instant credibility. This period of credibility is also temporary.

Earned – Lasting credibility cannot be demanded. It doesn’t come with a title or position. The best type of credibility is gained through time and experience by a leader that has earned it. This is the kind of credibility that excellent leaders aspire to gain and work hard to protect. It is developed through integrity, consistency and servant leadership. The truly credible leader spends time investing in others and considers the good of the entire organization when making decisions.

Are you aspiring to be a credible leader? What characteristics build credibility in your mind?

5 Examples of Leading Outside the Norm

2012-01-11T15:46:00.000Z

Organizations today must learn to think outside the once considered normal lines of leadership. Research after research has been done and book after book has been written on the subject of leadership being as much these days about the informal aspects of leadership as it is the formal aspects of leadership. In addition to a set of rules, policies and procedures, for a leader to be successful today, he or she must engage a team to help accomplish the vision of the organization. In an informal leadership environment, the way a leader leads is often more important than the knowledge or management abilities of the leader. That may have always been important, but now it is critical.

Here are 5 examples of how a successful leader must lead in today’s environment:

Adapting leadership to followers individual needs and expectations. No more cookie-cutter leadership is allowed. Leaders must be wiling to individualize their leadership based on the current setting, economy and individualism of team members. (Read a similar post HERE).

Raising new leaders. Those on the team with the propensity or desire to lead, must be given opportunity to help lead the organization Not only is this good for the organization by creating future leaders, it is key to keeping the best people on the team. (Read a similar post HERE.)

Balancing kindness or friendship with authority. John Maxwell’s axiom “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” has never been more true. People follow leaders they can trust. While leaders sometimes must make difficult and unpopular decisions, authoritarian leadership is not well received by today’s workforce. (Read a similar post HERE and HERE.)

Giving others ownership in the vision. People want and need to believe they are making a difference with their work. To do that means they must have ownership in the vision. Allowing a team to help shape the agenda helps assure their heart buys into completing the mission of the organization. (Read a similar post HERE and HERE.)

Creating for the greater good. Great leaders think beyond themselves or their team or the vision, goals and objectives of the organization. Today’s leaders understand they play a part in a more global sense, not just for their own organization. The way an organization treats it’s employees, the environment and customers is considered important. (Read a similar post HERE.)

Finding the right balance between a formal style of leadership where everything is clearly spelled out for people to follow and an informal style where a team helps to shape the course of action is critical to an organization’s success. Leaders today must continually strive to find that balance.

Which of these is most important to you if you are serving on a team?

What else would you add to this list?

Here are 7 characteristics of shallow leadership:

2012-01-10T15:43:00.000Z

Thinking your idea will be everyone’s idea…

Believing that your way is the only way..

Assuming you already know the answer…

Pretending to care when really you don’t…

Giving the response that makes you most popular…

Refusing to learn something new…

Ignoring the warning signs of an unhealthy environment…

Have you seen shallow leadership before? What would you add to my list?

Great post on Ron Edmondson on leadership

2012-01-09T15:41:00.000Z

5 Examples of a Leader for a Season

January 13, 2011 in Business,Change,Leadership,Organizational Leadership,Uncategorized with 20 Comments

I am frequently asked when is the right time to leave a leadership position. I once wrote 8 Ways to Know It’s Time to Quit. It’s still one of my most requested blog topics. This is a hard decision for many leaders. Thankfully, there are still leaders with a sense of loyalty, who want to do the right thing, and they simply do not know how or when they should leave.

I love hearing how one leader’s tenure carried the organization from infancy to maturity….

I am always impressed to hear of a long term pastorate…

The healthiest way, organizationally speaking, is to have a long-term leader, one who goes through seasons with the organizations, who carries the vision forward over a long span of time.

It should be noted, however, that sometimes a leader is just for a season….

Some leaders get things started…
Some leaders guide the organization through transition…
Some leaders only handle the tough times…
Some leaders help organizations start again…
Some leaders close things out graciously….

And then they move on…

If a leader does what he or she has been called to do, there is no shame in doing ONLY what the leader was called to do…

Bulgaria missions trip

2011-11-24T14:39:00.002Z

I had a challenging time in Bulgaria last week.

I went to serve the vision of an ex-IBTI student who has planted 2 churches already in 7 years and has also established a Bible training School programme. He has handed the churches over to a local pastor who he works with and who is a part of the Bible School programme. His vision is to plant 50 churches! The next church plant starts today with 4 students from his Bible School leading the plant.

On Thursday I spoke at a pastors conference which was the first time interdenominational leaders had come together in that area. Over 100 people came in and the Lord was powerfully present and the message I preached was timely and received well. I met some interesting people with amazing testimonies of God's power and provision at work in their life. That night we also walked around the town praying over vacant land that could be available for church planting.

On Friday and Saturday I lectured in the Bible School which is a very basic facility. I lectured on Friday 5pm until 11.45pm and then on Saturday from 8.00am until 1pm. Mladen's desire is to use this facility to train leaders and plant churches. All students are involved in planting churches.

On Sunday, I preached in three churches and travelled 500km. Our journey commenced at 6am on Sunday morning and finished at 2am on Monday morning. On arrival at the first church, there were over 200 people who had showed up including pastors from other churches. We left quickly after the service and drove 1 1/2 hours to a Gypsy church in the Ghetto (very poor) of around 50 people. I preached, prayed for the sick and also the pastor. On leaving that place, some of the people were brought items of clothing and handkerchiefs of sick people. We left and drove a further 1 1/2hr to another church of 200 people and I preached again. Over 90 people came out for prayer and it was amazing!! We anointed them all with oil and prayed for them. 2 people were healed and the place went nuts!! There were several recommitments and others committing themselves to ministry. A highlight for me was I felt God led me to embrace and hold a couple of Gypsy people in my arms as I prayed and I just wept as I felt God's love flowing out of me to them. The pastors were shocked at me embracing Gypsy people and said that they had never seen a pastor do this. I believe this was a prophetic picture of the heart of God for the pastors and churches to embrace the people and demonstrate the love of God and no longer just preach it, they must live it out and be the vessel!!

I spent Monday morning with the local pastor who has has started a mobile training ministry working with local gypsy pastors. He has a good sized building and has previously ran a Bible School their having up to 20 students living there for 3 months. The Pastor is a converted Communist and has an amazing testimony. At one point in his life, a-bomb was planted in his car by the local Mafia to kill his family because of a feeding programme he started. He developed through sponsorship a bakery and made bread daily and gave it away to the poor in his local community. The Mafia didn't like this as the sales of local business were affected (and no doubt their portion of profits) so they they put out several warnings and finally threatened the life of his family. He had to make the decision to take his family out of the area for three years, so they fled to Sofia.

On Monday evening we travelled 3 hrs to other friends of Mladen in Sofia where we stayed the night. I shared the gospel with them in a home, we prayed and broke bread together. I prayed with Mladen in the morning and read him the scriptures, prophesied over him.

There are many opportunities: Training leaders, evangelism teams, leadership development, practical projects, pastor conferences around Bulgaria, music teams, youth and Children's ministry. The people are hungry for God's word.

There are over 1.2 million Gypsies in Bulgaria alone, a massive harvest field.

Anyone who is interested in going contact me.

Are You Ready for an Eye-Opening, Gut-Wrenching Film?

2011-11-17T20:55:00.002Z

This is a shocking video but needs to be watched by everyone but particularly MEN.

Click here to watch

Unearthing Sexual Exploitation

When Unearthed was formed, we had our hearts set on producing a documentary that would expose the mechanics of the global sex trade. For a solid year, we traveled, filmed, raided brothels, rescued victims, and had our hearts crushed by the magnitude of sexual brokenness that surrounded us. You can watch some of that work here.

When it came time to edit the film, we decided that the last thing the world needed was another depressing documentary that explained how badly sex trafficking sucked. So, we pulled the plug on it, we prayed, we waited, and we listened.
The Root of Trafficking

We all have responsibility to the victims of this injustice, and we're thrilled that 85% of the money that comes into our doors goes right back out to some of the best organizations in the world that rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate the women & children that live in this hell.

But who's going after the victimizers? Really...who's made it their ambition to kill this thing at the root? If we rescued every victim today, we'd wake up to a demand for 100+ million new slaves tomorrow. If a victim's care is the only weapon in this battle, it'll continue to do a cyclically miserable job of winning.

If we rescued every victim today, we'd wake up to a demand for 100+ million new slaves tomorrow.

We've got to go after the heart of the issue, and that is the hearts of men. Men perpetuate the demand in sex slavery. Men in our cities, backyards, and churches can fuel the global sex trade with their "private" sexual decisions, which often create massive global impact.

Take porn for example: a 97 billion dollar per year industry that's got almost 80% of men and 35% of women ensnared. Americans spend so much on porn each year that it breaks down to $50 per person, and we account for only 14% of the global porn share. While specific connections can be hard to trace, we know that porn profits directly fund the acquisition of new women and children being forced into sex slavery.
The Hearts of Men

Jacob's story in the video above isn't an isolated incident. Jesus is continually transforming abusers into protectors; addicts into free men and traffickers into rescuers. Over the next year, we're creating a film called The Hearts of Men. It's a raw, unfiltered examination of how sin distorts sex, who's affected, and how the Gospel changes all of it. We know that to win this war, we need to engage men and right now they aren't just asleep on the battlefield, they're fornicating on it. A generation of God's sons need to be reminded who they are in Christ: chosen, washed, sanctified, and justified.

Men, we're coming after you, in love, because we know that when the gospel changes you, everything changes.

Lord you are an amazing God!

2011-10-28T20:54:00.002+01:00

Why the great commission is so GREAT

2011-09-22T21:31:00.000+01:00

I am convinced that most of us Christians alive today need to capture again a freshness of the GREAT commission. (Matt 28: 18-20) Jesus' mission became the disciples mission and has been passed down through generations and now it has been passed into our hands. We will hold it for a short time and then will be required to pass it on to the next generation who will in turn have the responsibility to make disciples of all nations and pass it on with passion and urgency.

We sometimes think we are living in difficult times where it is hard for us to share the gospel. However, a quick study of history, the life and times of when Jesus commissioned his disciples to ought to leave us ashamed of the excuses we make. Infact, nearly all were killed in action, they gave everything they had. They got something that somehow, i feel is missing today!

Jesus commission to us is GREAT because it is:

1. It is GREAT in it's authority - Jesus said 'ALL authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him.' There is no authority greater than Jesus in heaven or on earth, so what's our problem? He authorizes us to go!!

2. It is GREAT in it's mission - Make disciples! how? By Baptising them and teaching them to obey EVERYTHING I have commanded you. We are called to be discipled and to disciple. There is nothing greater to Jesus.

3. It is GREAT in it's scope - 'ALL nations' All peoples and as followers of Christ we should learn to love EVERYONE as Jesus did for us. He is passionate for the nations! Salvation is for all people and we must think globally.

4. It is GREAT in it's Promise - Jesus is with us unto the very end of time. His authority, power and presence is ALWAYS available and is with us. Where ever we have been, are right now or will be he has promised to be with us. This ought to make a difference - what a great security and peace we should experience.

Every follower of Jesus is commissioned and sent out to bring people to Jesus. We are all missionaries, so let's get to it!!

Like a fire

2011-09-20T21:28:00.002+01:00

What an amazing song and expresses the heart of a devoted follow who pursue the living Christ. I'm hooked forever!!

Great communication

2011-09-11T14:02:00.001+01:00

Great blog by Pastor Perry Noble

2011-09-07T12:20:00.000+01:00

Seven Things I Believe About You If You Are In Christ! September 1, 2011

#1 – That God’s plans for your life are greater than yours…and success is not found in control but rather through surrender! (Ephesians 3:20!)

#2 – That if God brought you to it then He will lead you through it…He always finishes what He starts! (Philippians 1:6)

#3 – That there will be times in your life that you are going to have to leave your comfort zone and step into the unknown! (Hebrews 11:1, Hebrews 11:6)

#4 – That we cannot do life alone…and God places people in our lives to both encourage and challenge us! (Hebrews 10:24-25)

#5 – That God really does work out ALL THINGS for His glory and our good! (Romans 8:28)

#6 – That you cannot separate yourself from the love of God…He doesn’t love us based on our performance but rather our position as His children! (It is an overwhelming thought when we consider that we cannot out sin the grace of God!) (Romans 8:38-39)

#7 – That you CAN DO what you think you CAN’T DO but feel like He keeps telling you that you’ve GOT TO DO! (Philippians 4:13)

Offer Hope in tough times

2011-09-02T13:07:00.003+01:00

Absolutely brilliant teaching buy Pastor Mark Driscoll.

What would you do?

2011-09-02T12:52:00.001+01:00

Spiritual Habits of Effective People: Quiet Time

2011-08-26T10:16:00.000+01:00

I was challenged again today by Pastor Rick Warren's simple encouragement to ensure we spend some time in our EVERYDAY lives to focus on God and his direction for us.

Check it out!

“Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk” (Psalm 25:4 LB).

Getting time with God each day is one of the spiritual habits of effective people. We develop spiritual fitness by having a quiet time each day for Bible reading and prayer.

What’s the reason for that? To get direction from God: “Show me the path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk” (Psalm 25:4 LB).

Sometimes we can get so busy in life that we can forget the direction we’re going. Like the pilot in World War II flying over the Pacific, he radioed back, “I have absolutely no idea where I’m going. I’m lost. But I’m making record time.”

Many times we get very busy. We need to slow down and get direction from God. This means we spend time with God on a daily basis; we talk to God in prayer; we let him talk to us from his Word; and we listen for his direction.

I can honestly say that every major decision in my life has been made in a quiet time.

Jesus is our model; he “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16 NIV). You can’t get to know God if you’re always in a crowd. You get to know God in a one-on-one encounter.

Notice the Bible says Jesus withdrew often; his quiet time was his source of strength.

And Jesus teaches that we are strengthened as we develop a deep and intimate relationship with him: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7 NIV).

You are an Amazing God

2011-08-18T17:32:00.002+01:00

THE LAW OF SOLID GROUND:

2011-08-07T10:53:00.000+01:00

GOD, ESTHER, AND HAMAN

Taken from the John Maxwell Bible

God, Esther, and Haman each play a leading role in the Book of Esther. God is the Leader in control; Esther is the leader under control; and Haman is the leader out of control. Consider each one.

GOD: The Leader in Control

1/. He took Queen Vashti off the throne.

2/. He gave Esther the throne.

3/. He used Mordecai to supply information,

4/. He put everyone in place before the crisis.

ESTHER: the Leader under Control

1/. Her position didn’t steal her compassion.

2/. She felt limited in what she could do.

3/. She knew her place in the organization.

4/. She felt the need to fast and pray.

5/. She depended on the prayers of others.

6/. She was willing to take a risk and obey.

7/. She didn’t take advantage of generosity.

8/. She recognised the importance of timing.

HAMAN: The team Leader out of Control

1/. He misunderstood the times.

2/. He lost joy over little problems.

3/. He needed friends to build his self-image.

4/. His greed and ambition made him unhappy.

5/. He listened to the wrong people.

6/. He thought too highly of himself.

7/. He set himself up for a fall.

8/. He reaped what he sowed.

This made me cry today...wow!!

2011-08-05T10:19:00.001+01:00

This was grace - short film from Andrew Laparra on Vimeo.

An Overnight Success

2011-08-02T13:25:00.001+01:00

A great blog from Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church

Certain people are sometimes called overnight successes. Usually they’re people who seem to just spring onto the scene. One day you’ve never heard of them. The next day they’re everywhere.

Sometimes it’s a band. An athlete. Or a movie star. Some people would even call our church an overnight success.

I would agree with the term, with this one caveat:
If by overnight success you mean that night after night after night after night after night, they have become successful.

Do we really think U2’s second gig was Cowboy’s Stadium?
Do we really think Spielberg’s second movie was Jaws?
Do we really think a life is built overnight?
Or a church for that matter?

Yes, some people’s road to success – whatever ‘success’ even means – is shorter than others. But that doesn’t mean they took a shortcut. There are no shortcuts to success. Only hard work. Consistency. And above all, God’s favor.

If you want to be an overnight success, I really don’t know how to help you. The only thing that’s overnight about success is recognition. The rest is about showing up with your best.

Night after night after night after night after night after night…

4 Stages of Leadership by Tony Morgan - Awesome!

2011-07-31T23:11:00.001+01:00

Yesterday while I was at Christ Fellowship in Miami, I did a leadership talk for their staff team. At the end of my talk, we took some time for Q&A. One of the questions that was asked was about leadership growth. Having worked in churches of various sizes between 1,400 and over 10,000, they wanted to know how leaders change to grow with organizations. Here’s what I summarized with a little bit more detail. Some of this reflects my own experiences in the churches I’ve served. Some of it reflects the conversations with leaders in other churches.

Lead by example. This is the type of leadership that is required when a new ministry launches. During this season, the leader has to do most of the work themselves. That happens out of necessity because no one else is around. It also happens to establish a foundation for the future. “Leading by doing” gives the leader the opportunity to shape the mission, vision, values and strategy of the church. These folks may not necessarily be gifted as leaders but they are in a positional leadership role. They are the “leaders of tens.” Ministries with this style of leadership can grow to about 100 people.

Lead other people. During this season, the leader recruits other people to join the ministry team. Rather than doing all the work on their own, the leader begins to delegate tasks and responsibilities to other people. The leader still owns the responsibility for making things happen, they’re just including other people in the effort. These are the “leaders of fifties.” Ministries can grow to several hundred people with this style of leadership.

Lead other leaders. This is when a transition happens where leaders begin to empower other leaders. Instead of a hands-on role where they’re on top of all the tasks, they shift to a role where they’re really more concerned about leading, caring for and raising up other leaders. They don’t give up responsibility for the outcome, but they begin to release team building and decisions of execution to other people. These are the “leaders of hundreds.” Ministries can grow to several thousand people with this style of leadership.

Lead by vision. At some point, there are leaders who may continue to embrace functional leadership of specific areas of ministry, but their focus is really on the overall health of the church. Rather than a ministry-specific focus, they have a global perspective that encompasses every aspect of the organization. These folks are leading other leaders, but they also have influence that reaches beyond their direct reports. They are coming alongside the senior leader to champion the vision that God has given the church. These are the “leaders of thousands.” Ministries can grow to tens of thousands of people with this style of leadership.

First of all, do you agree with my summary of these different stages of leadership growth? What would you add or delete from my descriptions?

Secondly, where are you? Would would you need to do today to prepare for a step into a new leadership role tomorrow?

How to Read a Book for Transformation

2011-07-15T08:31:00.003+01:00

I great article by Mac Lake.

For years I used to set a goal of reading 52 books between January 1 and December 31. And for several years I accomplished that goal. I still think that’s a good discipline for a young leader, but as I grew older something inside told me to slow down. I sensed I was at a stage where I needed to focus less on information and focus more on transformation. So I started reading fewer books. But that still wasn’t having the growth impact I was longing for.

It took a while but I finally developed a 6 Question System for reading that seemed to take me deeper into the content and impacted my thinking in a more tangible way. Today when I read a book I start by reading the table of contents and dividing it into sections. Sometimes a section is one chapter, sometimes it’s 2 or 3 chapters. But I define the specific chunks in the book I will apply these questions too. I find this more helpful than applying all six questions to every single chapter. As I read here are the six questions that force me to read that section on a deeper level. I hope you find this as helpful as I have.

What stood out to you the most? I don’t actually write the answer to this question. But I answer this by using a highlighter to mark every sentence that stood out to me. In a 10-page chapter this may be as many as 40-60 sentences that stood out as important or as key thoughts.
What challenged your thinking the most? Now that I’ve finished reading the chapter I go back and read my highlights and put a “C” by no more than three highlights. Next I write down in my journal (Evernote) the answer to what challenged me the most. Narrowing it down to just three things that challenged me and writing the answer to that question makes me process the content at a whole new depth.
What did you question or disagree with? It’s always tempting to skip over this question. Many times we don’t pause long enough to question the content of what we just read. So I look back over my highlights and put a “?” beside one or two things I questioned or disagreed with. Next I write in my journal what or why I disagreed. Or if I didn’t disagree with anything I write out what questions were raised in my mind. This forces me to look at the content from a different angle and process even deeper.
What 3-5 action steps will you take as a result of your reading? Next I write down what I’m going to do as a result of reading the content of the chapter or section. If you don’t put into practice the principles you learned those principles will never be translated into new behaviors. So force yourself to find a few action steps you will take. Remember there is no transformation without application.
What area did my reading reveal where I need to grow? Now to really get the subject material into your soul think though an area of Personal Growth the reading revealed for you. As I look back over my highlights I put a “-“ beside a section that reveals a needed growth area of my life. Then I write out where and how I need to grow in that area. So as you review your reading section ask yourself: Did it highlight a specific area of weakness that I need to work on? Did it reveal a poor attitude, an undeveloped skill, a bad habit, a relational roadblock that needs to be dealt with? If we really want to change we’ll take the time to identify those specific areas of growth potential in our own life.
What area of strength did this reading affirm about my leadership? Finally, I look for strengths that the chapter affirmed in my life or leadership. As I read back over the highlights I put a “+” beside the section that revealed what I am good at. We become better leaders when we focus on developing our strengths. So make sure you allow the content you’re reading to affirm the positive aspects of your leadership.

So grab a good book that you think will challenge you to grow as a leader. Buy a journal or open up your Evernote. And don’t forget, this method of reading requires greater patience but results in bigger payoff. Hey, give it a try and let me know what you think.

I believe in God but I won't forgive

2011-06-30T22:23:00.002+01:00

How can we love someone who has caused us so much grief? How can we move past the offense to forgive them and love them? Full of questions and with anger (even hatred) in our heart, bitterness takes hold. Craig Groeschel on page 115 of “The Christian Atheist” shares the following:

“The root of bitterness grows in the soil of hurt that has not been dealt with properly. Unknown to me, a root of bitterness started to grow in my heart. Roots absorb and store, and my heart absorbed and stored hurt, anger, hatred, and thoughts of revenge. Love keeps no wrong, but bitterness keeps detailed accounts. [Emphasis mine]“

God’s command for us to love others sincerely just as we love ourselves does not allow room for bitterness and hatred. In love, we are to forgive one another and lift each other up so that we may experience the grace of God:

¹⁵See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Heb 12:15

Bitterness defiles. Forgiveness liberates and elevates.

Craig Groeschel in chapter 6 shares his battle with unforgiveness and bitterness towards the man who molested his sister and others. There was a lot of anger. There was enmity and hatred. Craig shares the “reluctant” path he traveled to forgiveness:

Recognition – He recognized and was convicted by the Holy Spirit of the destructive force of bitterness in his life.
Prayer – “God, I pray you work in his [the molester's] life.”
Forgiveness – Colossians 3:13 “forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Forgiveness is not easy. But it is needed. Unforgiveness can destroy us and those around us. Bitterness can grow and defile many.

Who do you need to forgive today? Are you being defiled by a root of bitterness?

On page 122, Craig Groeschel concludes this chapter with the following paragraph:

“We Christian Atheists can rationalize as many excuses as we need to avoid forgiving. We Christians, however, can find in God the sheer strength to battle through the feelings of anger, hatred, and bitterness, and fight our way back to the cross. That’s where Christ forgave us. And that’s where, by faith, we can find the ability to forgive those who’ve wronged us.”

My prayer today is for each one of us to be convicted of any unforgiveness we are holding on to. May God help us to turn our hatred into love, our bitterness into forgiveness…that no one should miss the grace of God.

Forgiven people forgive!

Quit complaining!!

2011-06-23T15:38:00.001+01:00

Tae-ho is a strong willed and determined little boy from South Korea with a permanent smile on his face. Born with 8 severe birth defects, Tae-Ho doesn’t let his disability interfere with living life to the fullest. His story will warm your heart. CLICK HERE

The bottom line in leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance the team.

2011-06-02T09:37:00.001+01:00

A great article about team....

According to prevailing wisdom, the best businesses create a culture that attracts influencers and develops leaders throughout the organization. Yet, if having an abundance of leaders is such a great thing, what accounts for the enduring popularity of maxims warning against having too many leaders?
“Too many chiefs and not enough Indians.”
“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
Does bringing together a large number of leaders eventually backfire?

Dream Team or Nightmare?
On July 8th, LeBron James announced his decision to play basketball with the Miami Heat, joining fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The sports world buzzed with the news, and pundits predicted that the trio would dominate the NBA. Before they ever stepped on a court together, many anointed the supergroup as the greatest team of all-time.
However, the alliance of James, Wade, and Bosh got off to a rocky start. The Heat dropped their season opener to the Boston Celtics on their way to losing eight of their first seventeen games. Later, they suffered the embarrassment of losing to LeBron James’ former team, and one of the worst squads in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers. As defeats mounted, so did criticism of the team and its players. Analysts labeled the Heat as a collection of whiners and disparaged their uneven performance.

Learning to Serve
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden once referred to the selfishness of players as the greatest challenge facing a coach. In his observation, most players were more concerned with making themselves better than with improving the team. As a result, he discovered that combining the best players seldom resulted in the best team. When crafting a championship lineup, he looked for unselfish players who “showed an eagerness to lose themselves to the group for the goal of the team.”
The Miami Heat nearly succumbed to the selfishness of its superstars, each of whom had been the undisputed leader of his team prior to joining together. The problem for the Heat has not been having too much leadership, but having three players accustomed to excelling at the same role. James, Wade, and Bosh were each the primary scorers on their respective clubs last year. It has taken the trio time, and concerted effort, to learn how best to contribute their considerable talents as a team.

To their credit James, Bosh, and Wade have not sniped at one another following the team’s setbacks, and they have dedicated themselves to unselfishly serving and supporting one another. Instead of competing for the same role, they are learning how to complete one another. Bosh has adjusted to being a rebounder and secondary scoring option, and Wade now generally defers to James on the offensive end of the floor during crunch time of key games. The players’ commitment to winning as a team, as opposed to excelling individually, has reaped dividends. Presently, the Heat are on the cusp of winning the NBA championship and fulfilling the lofty expectations placed on them before the season started.

As the Heat have discovered during the course of their first season together, the bottom line in leadership isn’t how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance the team. Subtracting from others is unintentional. Adding to others takes intentional focus.

This month, consider where you can make adjustments to your performance to better serve the team mates beside you.

20 resolutions from the book of James for how to control our tongue.

2011-05-23T22:35:00.000+01:00

1. I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5)
2. I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10)
3. I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13)
4. I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19)
5. I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4)
6. I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12)
7. I resolve never to stand on anyone’s face with the words I employ. (2:16)
8. I resolve never to claim as reality in my life what I do not truly experience. (3:14)
9. I resolve to resist quarrelsome words as evidence of a bad heart that needs to be mortified. (4:1)
10. I resolve never to speak decided evil against another out of a heart of antagonism. (4:11)
11. I resolve never to boast in anything but what I will accomplish. (4:13)
12. I resolve to speak as one subject to the providences of God. (4:15)
13. I resolve never to grumble. The judge is at the door. (5:9)
14. I resolve never to allow anything but total integrity in everything I say. (5:12)
15. I resolve to speak to God in prayer whenever I suffer. (5:13)
16. I resolve to sing praises to God whenever I’m cheerful. (5:14)
17. I resolve to ask for the prayers of others when I’m in need. (5:14)
18. I resolve to confess it whenever I have failed. (5:15)
19. I resolve to pray with others for one another whenever I am together with them. (5:15)
20. I resolve to speak words of restoration when I see another wander. (5:19)

Leading in Times of Transition

2011-05-05T12:45:00.002+01:00

Leading in Times of Transition

1. Accept discomfort as normal. Phil 4v10-13.
Remember: the alternative to transition is stagnation

2. Hold fast to the Greater vision.
We are a Christian Community that serves.

3. Remember you are a Vision Carrier and a Change Agent

A vision carrier…
(a) Knows about the church’s important initiatives
(b) Casts vision within their sphere of influence
(c) Answers people’s questions
(d) Communicates confidence in the leader of the church
(c) Puts out fires

4. Don’t allow critics to taint your perspective

5. Expect progress to require both the move of the spirit and hard work!

6. Don’t let a success derail you.

7. When you have momentum, keep it going

8. Be ready and willing to re-invent your systems and approaches

9. Remain fast and fluid

10. Keep finding and raising up new leaders

Get into God's word if you want to grow spiritually

2011-04-04T13:00:00.001+01:00

As a pastor,I long to see my congregation dig into all of the treasures in God’s Word. You know that within the pages of the Bible they will find everything it needs to grow spiritually. But how can I help them get more from the Bible?

In his book Bible Study Methods, Rick Warren shares 12 different ways to study the Bible. In each chapter he tells you why that particular method is important and gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do it. He also includes a helpful Bible study form to use in applying each method.

Here are the 12 methods Warren uses:

The devotional method: Warren says this method sets the foundation for all of the others included in the book. If application is the ultimate goal of how we’re to interact with the Bible, then this method may be the most important for our spiritual lives. The method involves taking a passage of Scripture and prayerfully meditating on it until the Holy Spirit provides a concrete application.

The chapter summary method: This may be the easiest of the Bible study methods to use, and you need very few extra biblical resources to do it effectively. Using this method, you’ll get a general overview of a chapter. You can use the method to systematically go through God’s Word or you can pick various chapters that are of interest to you.

The character quality method: We’ve all got areas of our lives that need work. Using this Bible study method, you can work on positive character qualities that you need to improve on (such as honesty, humility, and diligence) and negative ones you need to avoid (such as pride and greed). Unless you really understand a character quality, you’ll never be able to develop it in your life. Through this method you’ll focus on one character quality, look at how biblical characters lived it out, and look for ways to build the character trait into your own life (or avoid it).

The thematic method: This study method involves taking a biblical theme (like interceding for others or “the hand of the Lord”) and asking no more than five pre-determined questions of the relevant biblical texts. This is another Bible study method that requires few reference tools, with a Bible and a concordance being the most important ones. It’s a great method to use when you’re preparing a Bible study or mentoring someone. It’s also a nice first step before digging into a more thorough topical study.

The biographical method: This study method is pretty self-explanatory. It involves picking a biblical character and studying his or her life as presented by Scripture. But it isn’t just about storing information on the person. The reason you study a biblical character is to see why the person was a spiritual success or failure. Once you discover that, you can either emulate what made them spiritually successful or avoid what made them fail. With more than 3,000 biblical characters, this form of Bible study offers an almost endless supply of opportunities.

The topical method: In many ways this method is like the thematic study, only more extensive. When studying the Bible topically, you typically attack a broad subject in Scripture (or in a specific book of the Bible) – like prayer or sin. Also, unlike a thematic study, you ask every question you can muster. What you get at the end is a broad idea of what the Bible (or a book in the Bible) says about the topic.

The word study method: Warren reminds readers that many of the great doctrines of Scripture revolve around a single word, such as grace, atonement, or faith. This study method allows you to focus on what some of these words mean in the original language. It’s one of the most reference-book-intensive studies of all the options, because you’ll need sources to be able to uncover the meaning of the biblical words in the original languages. The method is based on two things. First, the meaning you find from a word must be based on the original languages. Second, context must give you the ultimate meaning of the word you’re studying, not the English translation.

The book background method: This method helps you get a good feel for the background of the biblical passage or book you are studying. You do it by focusing on understanding the history, culture, geography, and political events surrounding the passage. Of course this method is highly dependent upon collecting quality Bible study reference tools.

The book survey method: In chapters 9, 10, and 11, Warren explains three methods that must be taken together. The three methods are best understood as a whole. In the book survey method, you get telescopic view of a book of the Bible. By doing this step first, you understand how the pieces of the book fit together. It helps you ensure that you won’t mistake the forest for the trees when you study the book further through the next few methods.

The chapter analysis method: Next, you focus your study on a particular chapter from the book you just surveyed. Through this method you’ll look carefully at each paragraph, sentence, and word in the passage you are studying. As you study the chapters of the Bible in this way, you’ll limit outside help and ensure that you’re getting your own insights on Scripture.

The book synthesis method: This is the natural conclusion of this set of three methods. After you’ve looked at the book as a whole and then analyze the different chapters within it, you’ll conclude by putting the book and all of the insights you’ve gained back together again. It’s a particularly important step after you’ve torn the book apart in the chapter analysis method.

The verse-by-verse method: In this method you take a particular verse of Scripture and study it in detail by asking particular questions, looking at cross-references and paraphrasing each verse. You can either use this study to work systematically through a passage or combine it with the topical method to look at all of the Scripture related to a topic.

Hosannah!

2011-03-06T08:51:00.001Z

Just loved this post from John Piper about the meaning of HOSANNA - Awesome!

I know one of the concerns of the children's music ministry is that the children understand what they are singing and that they mean it. And I share that concern for our people. In a moment the choir will sing a song called, "Hosanna, Hosanna!" And after that we all will sing a song which begins: "Hosanna in the highest!" So I want to give a little lesson in Greek and Hebrew to make sure we all know what the New Testament means when it says in three different places, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Mt. 21:9,15), or "Hosanna in the highest!" (Mk. 11:9,10), or simply, "Hosanna!" (John 12:13).

You all know that the New Testament was first written in Greek and the Old Testament was first written in Hebrew. Wherever the word "hosanna" occurs in the New Testament do you know what the Greek word is? Right! It's "hosanna." All the English translators did was use English letters (h-o-s-a-n-n-a) to make the sound of a Greek word.

But if you look in a Greek dictionary to find what it means, you know what you find? You find that it is really not originally a Greek word after all. The men who wrote the New Testament in Greek did the same thing to a Hebrew word that our English translators did to the Greek word: they just used Greek letters (UNABLE TO DISPLAY GREEK CHARACTERS ) to make the sound of a Hebrew phrase ( UNABLE TO DISPLAY HEBREW CHARACTERS ). I know this sounds sort of complicated. But it's really not. Our English word "hosanna" comes from a Greek word "hosanna" which comes from a Hebrew phrase hoshiya na.

And that Hebrew phrase is found one solitary place in the whole Old Testament, Psalm 118:25, where it means, "Save, please!" It is a cry to God for help. Like when somebody pushes out off the diving board before you can swim and you come up hollering: "Help, save me" … "Hoshiya na!"

But something happened to that phrase, hoshiya na. The meaning changed over the years. In the psalm it was immediately followed by the exclamation: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" The cry for help, hoshiya na, was answered almost before it came out of the psalmist's mouth. And over the centuries the phrase hoshiya na stopped being a cry for help in the ordinary language of the Jews. Instead it became a shout of hope and exultation. It used to mean, "Save, please!" But gradually it came to mean, "Salvation! Salvation! Salvation has come!" It used to be what you would say when you fell off the diving board. But it came to be what you would say when you see the lifeguard coming to save you! It is the bubbling over of a heart that sees hope and joy and salvation on the way and can't keep it in.

So "Hosanna!" means, "Hooray for salvation! It's coming! It's here! Salvation! Salvation!"

And "Hosanna to the Son of David!" means, "The Son of David is our salvation! Hooray for the king! Salvation belongs to the king!"

And "Hosanna in the highest!" means, "Let all the angels in heaven join the song of praise. Salvation! Salvation! Let the highest heaven sing the song!"

Picture a super bowl game, and (believe it or not) the Vikings are three points ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are on their own 35 and have no more time outs. There are two seconds remaining on the clock. The Vikings' fans are going wild. The Steelers line up, fake a pass to the receivers on the left field line and run a wide sweep around the right end and the quarterback breaks into the open and heads down the right sideline -- 40 - 45 - 50 - 45. The only hope for the Vikings is Willie Teal, the safety, cutting a diagonal across the field. And out of the Vikings' grandstand come two kinds of Hosannas, the old kind and the new kind. One part of the crowd is yelling: "Catch him! Catch him, Willie!" (That's the old Hosanna.) The other part of the crowd is yelling, "You got him! You got him, Willie!" (That's the new Hosanna.) The word moved from plea to praise; from cry to confidence.

So when we sing "Hosanna" now, let's make it very personal. Let's make it our praise and our confidence. The Son of David has come. He has saved us from guilt and fear and hopelessness. Salvation! Salvation belongs to our God and to the Son! Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!

Biblical Stewardship Principles fir the believer

2011-02-20T17:32:00.000Z

I read these this week and was stirred in my heart as I reflect on my giving to God and his kingdom.

1. God, the creator (Genesis 1) and sustainer of all things (Colossians 1:17) and the One "who works within us to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20), is a God of infinite abundance (Psalm 50:10-11) and grace (2 Corinthians 9:8).

2. Acknowledging the primacy of the Gospel (Romans 1:16) as our chief treasure (Matthew 13:44), Christians are called to lives of stewardship, as managers of all that God has entrusted to them (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

3. A Christian's attitude toward possessions on earth is important to God (Matthew 6:24), and there is a vital link between how they utilize earthly possessions (as investments in God's kingdom) and the eternal rewards that they will receive (Philippians 4:17).

4. God entrusts possessions to Christians and holds them accountable for their use, as a tool to grow his eternal kingdom, as a test of the believer's faithfulness to God, and as a trademark that their lives reflect Christ's values (Luke 16:1-9).

5. From God's abounding grace, Christians' giving reflects their gratitude for what God has provided and involves growing in an intimate faith relationship with Christ as Lord of their lives (Mark 12:41-44).

6. Because giving is a worshipful, obedient act of returning to God from what has been provided (1 Chronicles 29:10-14), Christian fundraisers should hold a conviction that, in partnership with the church, they have an important role in the spiritual maturation of believers (James 3:1).

7. The primary role of Christian fundraisers is to advance and facilitate a believer's faith in and worship of God through a Christ-centered understanding of stewardship that is solidly grounded on Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16).

8. Recognizing it is the work of the Holy Spirit that prompts Christians to give (2 Corinthians 9:5-7, Nehemiah 1:4-11)

9. An eternal, God-centered worldview promotes cooperation places the giver's relationship to God above all else. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

When these principles are implemented, that rely on God changing hearts more than on human methods, the resulting joy-filled generosity of believers will fully fund God's work here on earth (Exodus 36:6-7).

The One Princilple - An interesting read

2011-02-18T10:56:00.000Z

Loss of ‘Life’ Prevention – you only need ONE principle - Check it out and let me have your comments.

An 11 year old nails it - All about Jesus!

2011-02-17T10:56:00.001Z

Amazing! 11 Year-Old Reveals Jesus Throughout the Entire Bible! CLICK HERE

Understanding the Bible (Part 4)

2011-02-15T17:45:00.000Z

What are you reading? Old Testament or New Testament?

New Testament

'Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Sctripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had it's origin n the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit'.
2 Peter 1:20-21

History (Mathew - John) Four Gospels

History (Acts) The beginning of the church

Letters (Romans - Jude)

Prophecy (Revelation)

Ask the question, What was the original setting and what did it mean to the first hearers?

History (Mathew - John) This is the life and teachings of Jesus from four viewpoints. What do you learn about the person of Jesus? How can this affect your life?

History (Acts) What was the setting? What can I learn or apply from this?

Letters (Romans - Jude) Who wrote to whom? Why was the letter as a whole written? Can I apply aparticular lesson to my situation?

Prophecy (Revelation) Written in 'apocalyptic' style: poetic imagery. Prophecies concerning Jesus Christ are fulfilled and a concluding call to His Lordship assures us that He will soon return. What quesions are raised here?

Get stuck into God's Word for yourself. Dig, dig, dig and discover the treasure. And keep talking to God as you go and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus and his truth to you.

Understanding the Bible (Part 3)

2011-02-13T20:41:00.000Z

What are you reading? Old Testament or New Testament?

Old Testament

'These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life n his name' John 20:31

Law (Gen- Deut)

History (Joshua - Esther)

Poetry & wisdom (Job & Song of songs)

Prophecy (Isaiah - Malachi)

In all the above ask the question what is the original setting and what it meant to the first hears

Law (Gen- Deut) A moral law for all time? A sacrificial or social law? Is there a general principal to consider?

History (Joshua - Esther)What happened? Where? Why is the story there? Is there a lesson for you?

Poetry & wisdom (Job & Song of songs)Poetry is a picture language. Allow yourself to enter into the emotion of the words as you read.

Prophecy (Isaiah - Malachi)What is the setting? Is the language sybolic or direct? What response should the passage evoke?

'The unfolding of your words give light; it gives understanding to the simple' Psalm 119:130

New Testament to follow....

5 Ministry Killers

2011-02-10T10:48:00.002Z

Just as we have to defeat and prevent termites from destroying our homes, so we have to defeat and prevent some invisible "ministry killers," and Charles Stone, Pastor of Ginger Creek Community Church, identifies five of them. This is brilliant!!

Understanding the Bible (Part 2)

2011-02-09T20:25:00.001Z

How do you discover the joy of reading the Bible?

1. As you read, hold a conversation with God the Holy Sprit and ask him to help you understand it.

2. Approach God's word humbly and sincerely genuinely desiring to know more about God and his ways.

3. As part of your devotions, come to God's word in a prayful manner to discover the it's message rather than appraoching it as literature or information alone.

4. Allow God's word to lead you to be in awe of God of who his is and onto a journey of worship.

5. Apply what you have learned in your every day life

God's word is waiting to lead you into a wonderful encouter with God by the Holy Sprit that will transform your life and cause you to follow Jesus and serve his purposes for the rest of your life.

Hunger and thrist after him and you WILL be filled!

Understanding the Bible (part 1)

2011-02-09T20:08:00.003Z

Someone asked me the question yesterday, ' can I understand the Bible more?' I sensed the hunger in their voice and shared a few things with them. It go me thinking about how I might be able to help others too. SO here we go......

The Bible was written centuries ago over a long period of time by many different people from all walks of life in a setting different from our own.

When you read a portion of scripture you should consider the following:

1. The type of writing

2. The context it is written in and for

3. The reason it was written

4. Ask yourself what can it now mean to me?

When you read a portion of scripture you must:

1. NOT take a verse or one part of scripture out of it's context

2. NOT creat an opinion based only on one verse or portion. This is a frequent error of cults and those who want to twist the meaning for their own ends.

3. NOT think of it as anything other than the word of God. Scriptures were written by real people for sure in real situations BUT under the Holy Spirit's inspiration.

As you open the Bible to read it, ask God to open your eyes and your heart and reveal the truth of his word to you by the Holy Spirit. HE WILL!!

Just loved this qoute I read today

2011-02-02T21:34:00.000Z

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. " ~ Helen Keller

How to overcome dark valley’s by Rick Warren

2011-01-30T12:15:00.001Z

I have valued the input and wisdom of Rick warren over the years in my life. This is an excellent post and fits in very well with my message on Sunday morning this week

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

How do we handle the dark valleys of life? These facts about valleys can help.

1. Valleys are inevitable. They are a normal part of life. Don't be surprised by them. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble." (John 16:33)

2. Valleys are unpredictable. They’re sudden and unexpected. Jeremiah 4:20 says, "In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment."

3. Valleys are impartial. No one is insulated from pain and sorrow. No one gets to skate through life free of problems. Problems don’t mean you're a bad person. They mean you’re a person. In Matthew 5:45, Jesus said, "He … sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

4. Valleys are temporary. A valley is something we go through – a situation that has a season (see Ps. 23:4). 1 Peter 1:6 says, “Now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

Life is tough, but it's only for a while. There is joy ahead if we know the Lord Jesus Christ. There are no dark days in Heaven.

5. Valleys are purposeful. God has a reason for taking us through them. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, "These [trials] have come so that your faith … may be proved genuine.”

Pain can be productive. God wants to build our faith in the valleys. We love the mountaintops, but we build faith in the valleys. When we come face to face with a dark valley, we get on our knees.

Prayer guidance: Ask God to walk with you and teach you through the inevitable valleys of life.

To think about: Recall dark valleys of the past. Were they temporary? Were they purposeful?

So you want to lead others!

2011-01-26T15:06:00.002Z

The Bible records for us that David was a man after God’s heart and also that he fulfilled the purposes of God in his day and generation and then fell asleep. From an early age, I wanted to be like that. What about You? The heart is crucial territory in our desire to lead God’s people well.

It is important that leaders develop the ‘skills’ in order to lead effectively. But there are several important qualities of the heart that every great leader should consistently build into their life.

Here are some things that I believe is 'The heart' of a Leader that God Uses:

1. Has a great sense of PURPOSE in life

2. Is committed to removing any HINDERANCES from his life

3. Places himself completely at God’s DISPOSAL

4. Has learned how to PRAY constantly

5. Is a student of GOD’S WORD

6. Has a vital, life changing MESSAGE for a lost world

7. Has a FAITH that expects results

8. Chooses to SERVE in attitude and action

9. Stirs up the GIFTS in themselves and in others

10. Is SECURE enough to empower others

11. Lives under the ANNOINTING of the Holy Spirit

12. Has been chosen to be an EXAMPLE before he leads others

So how is your leadership heart?

Action: select a couple of these areas over the next month and work them through

Leadership Principles

2011-01-23T23:21:00.002Z

Here is a condensed version from Henry & Richard Blackaby’s book, “Spiritual Leadership” on the 21 Principles For Spiritual Leaders.

21 Principles For Spiritual Leaders

1. No experience, good or bad, is ever wasted.

2. People may apply for various leadership positions, but God is the one who ultimately determines which leadership roles they will have.

3. God’s assignments are always based on character – the greater the character, the greater assignment.

4. The role of spiritual leaders is not to dream up dreams for God, but to be the vanguard for their people in understanding God’s revelation.

5. The real key to God’s promises is not people or physical resources, but God.

6. The definitive measure of leaders’ success is whether they moved their people from where they were to where God wanted them to be.

7. In God’s eyes, how something is done is as important as what is done. The end does not justify the means in God’s kingdom.

8. God has a specific agenda for every person and every organization.

9. The single most important thing leaders should do is pray.

10. The reason there are not more great spiritual leaders in our day is that there are not more men and women willing to pay the price.

11. Effective leaders are sensitive to the nuances of their words.

12. A pessimistic leader is a contradiction in terms.

13. Leaders should pay close attention to their attitudes, for these serve as barometers to the condition of their hearts.

14. Spiritual leaders are not discouraged by their circumstances – they are informed by them.

15. Spiritual leaders make every decision with the awareness that one day they will give an account to God.

16. Once leaders clearly understand God’s will, deciding how to invest their time becomes much easier.

17. God does not give people more than they can handle, but people regularly assume responsibility for things they should not be doing.

18. The quantity of work leaders can accomplish is in direct proportion to their ability to delegate work to others.

19. Spiritual leaders cannot rush in and out of God’s presence.

20. Leaders don’t jump to conclusions. They process the facts and seek to determine the truth of their situation.

21. Spiritual leaders are not haphazard people. They are intentional.

“Where there is no leadership the people fall,
but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 11:14

Team work works!!

2011-01-18T19:18:00.004Z

Just love this by Blue Man Group. Reminds mean of what can be achieved by a team when no one cares who gets the credit!!

I am holding nothing back - what about you?

2011-01-14T12:56:00.002Z

Great post on courage - check it out!

2011-01-03T20:44:00.000Z

Find Your Courage!
12 Everyday Acts of Courage to Create the Life You Really Want!
By Margie Warrell

1. The Courage to Take Responsibility
Whilst you can't always control your circumstances you can always choose how you will respond to them. No matter what challenges you face you have the power to make the ultimate choice about whether to let the world affect you or to go out and affect the world. Resist the impulse to blame your woes on others but instead to make the decision to own your life and own it fully.

2. The Courage to Live with Integrity
Integrity is the only path in life upon which you will never get lost. Placing integrity at the cornerstone of every decision you make requires a willingness to do what is right above what is convenient or politically expedient. At times this means veering off the safe and comfortable path onto a less traveled one where the risk of failure or disapproval may run high. At other times it calls you to forge your own. At its core, integrity is about wholeness and alignment between your deepest values, what you are doing and who you are being in the world. Integrity calls forth greatness.

3. The Courage to Challenge Your 'Stories'
You do not see the world as it is, but as you are. Too often people live in answers to questions they have never asked and claim a monopoly on the truth. The fact is you do not own the truth, you just your version of it. Whilst it takes courage to question the assumptions and beliefs you've been living by up until now and opening your mind to alternative perspectives, doing so opens up new possibilities for yourself and your life that you otherwise may never have seen. Ultimately being willing to challenge your stories unleashes you to experience live in a whole new, more exciting and more meaningful way.

4. The Courage to Dream Bigger
You will never be able to have your dream job nor live your dream life unless you first find the courage to dream big enough to identify what it is. Dare to create a vision for your life that is bigger than the one you've had until now in your relationships, your career, and your life in general. Don't let fear keep you from connecting with what it is that inspires you most deeply for the greatest danger is not that your dreams are too lofty and you fail to reach them, but that they are too small and you do!

It is the aim, if reach or not, that makes great the life. Your life is as big as you dare to dream it!

5. The Courage to Be Who You Are
In a world that pressures for conformity it takes courage to be who you are. So express yourself fully and authentically in every relationship and in every encounter you have with others giving up pretending to be more or less or different from who you truly are. When you fail to be authentic you keep from others that which makes you most attractive; when you conform all that you have to offer others is your conformity. Be genuine, humble and, unpretentious but most of all, just be yourself. There is nothing more valuable or attractive.

6. The Courage to Speak Up
Dare to speak up, to give voice to your concerns, your feelings and thoughts and to engage in conversations that you've been hesitant to have before. Don't choose the certainly of never addressing an issue or fulfilling a need over the possibility that you may have an awkward conversation or a request declined. After all, things that aren't talked out get acted out as unfulfilled needs and unresolved resentments fester. Speaking up in ways that honor the dignity of others provides a means of building trust and deepening the quality of the relationships. It also enables others to know who you are, what you need, what you are care about and what you are capable of more clearly.

7. The Courage to Step Boldly into Action
Nothing changes if nothing changes. Have the guts step boldly from your comfort zone to make the changes and take the chances that call you forward to fulfilling the potential within you. Trade procrastination and excuses for a commitment to being a person who is willing to do what it takes to live the life to which they aspire. Whatever the risks you face in your endeavor, the greatest risk is to take none at all. Fear regret more than failure for life always rewards action.

8. The Courage to Persevere
Overcoming the setbacks and failures that present themselves on the way to your goals is what brings the greatest sense of achievement. Face your challenges with a deep determination to staying the course. Resist succumbing to resignation in the face of adversity for any goal worth pursuing will require its share of determination and perseverance. Connect with that which makes your spirit soar and remember that it matters not that you reach the summit, but that you had the guts to try. It is through perseverance in the face of adversity that the ordinary become extra-ordinary.

9. The Courage to Say No
Sometimes we need to say no to the good in order to make room for the great. However finding the guts to say no first requires first being clear about what you most want to say yes to. Doing so will help you to set boundaries in the midst of being pulled simultaneously in conflicting directions and teach people what you will and will not tolerate. Saying no when you need to may never be easy but the price you pay for not doing so far exceeds any momentary discomfort.

10. The Courage to Open Your Heart Fully
Life's richest fulfillment comes from being as open to experiencing life's pain as deeply as its joy. Opening your heart fully to the depths of emotion that a life well lived calls forward takes great courage but it is the only life worth living. By letting down your defenses and making yourself vulnerable to the anguish that life can sometimes bring, you can experience the joy that comes from connecting with others openly, intimately and compassionately. Drop the barriers that are creating distance and isolating you from others, reveal your humanity and make yourself available for others to know, to love, to care for and to connect with. Nothing is more nurturing to the spirit.

11. The Courage to Let Go
As human beings we like to feel in control. However peace of mind only comes through giving your best to life whilst simultaneously detaching yourself from the outcome of your efforts knowing that everything in life has a purpose. Put your faith in the wisdom that created you, know that who you are is not defined by the outcome of your efforts and trust that you have within you all you need at any moment to take on the challenges life presents to you. Giving up resisting what you cannot control and going with, rather than against, the flow of life makes available to living in the present moment. Finding the courage to let go will not impede you ability to achieve what you seek most from life, it will enhance it.

12. The Courage to Be a Leader
Leadership is not a position; it's a choice. Every day you have opportunities to be a leader for the essence of leadership is inspiring people to move in a direction they may otherwise not have gone, to accomplish more than they may otherwise have sought to accomplish and to grow into someone they may otherwise not have become. By choosing the path of integrity, personal responsibility, and courage you will automatically shine your light so brightly that it will reveal to others the majesty of their own. Ultimately only by living with courage yourself and being the leader you are capable of being will humanity, as a collective, find it's courage and lead the world into a future filled with possibility.

Nothing is going to stop me from doing what God has called me to do!

2011-01-03T09:21:00.006Z

Here is a little more information about the life of Gladys Aylward who was a Missionary To China. (Many wanted to know a little more about her as I mentioned her in my preaching on 2nd January 2011)

Gladys Aylward was born in London in 1904 (or a few years earlier). She worked for several years as a parlormaid, and then attended a revival meeting at which the preacher spoke of dedicating one's life to the service of God. Gladys responded to the message, and soon after became convinced that she was called to preach the Gospel in China. At the age of 26, she became a probationer at the China Inland Mission Center in London, but was failed to pass the examinations. She worked at other jobs and saved her money. Then she heard of a 73-year-old missionary, Mrs. Jeannie Lawson, who was looking for a younger woman to carry on her work. Gladys wrote to Mrs. Lawson and was accepted if she could get to China. She did not have enough money for the ship fare, but did have enough for the train fare, and so in October of 1930 she set out from London with her passport, her Bible, her tickets, and two pounds ninepence, to travel to China by the Trans-Siberian Railway, despite the fact that China and the Soviet Union were engaged in an undeclared war. She arrived in Vladivostok and sailed from there to Japan and from Japan to Tientsin, and thence by train, then bus, then mule, to the inland city of Yangchen, in the mountainous province of Shansi, a little south of Peking (Beijing). Most of the residents had seen no Europeans other than Mrs. Lawson and now Miss Aylward. They distrusted them as foreigners, and were not disposed to listen to them.

Yangchen was an overnight stop for mule caravans that carried coal, raw cotton, pots, and iron goods on six-week or three-month journeys. It occurred to the two women that their most effective way of preaching would be to set up an inn. The building in which they lived had once been an inn, and with a bit of repair work could be used as one again. They laid in a supply of food for mules and men, and when next a caravan came past, Gladys dashed out, grabbed the rein of the lead mule, and turned it into their courtyard. It went willingly, knowing by experience that turning into a courtyard meant food and water and rest for the night. The other mules followed, and the muleteers had no choice. They were given good food and warm beds at the standard price, and their mules were well cared for, and there was free entertainment in the evening--the innkeepers told stories about a man named Jesus. After the first few weeks, Gladys did not need to kidnap customers -- they turned in at the inn by preference. Some became Christians, and many of them (both Christians and non-Christians) remembered the stories, and retold them more or less accurately to other muleteers at other stops along the caravan trails. Gladys practiced her Chinese for hours each day, and was becoming fluent and comfortable with it. Then Mrs. Lawson suffered a severe fall, and died a few days later. Gladys Aylward was left to run the mission alone, with the aid of one Chinese Christian, Yang, the cook.

A few weeks after the death of Mrs. Lawson, Miss Aylward met the Mandarin of Yangchen. He arrived in a sedan chair, with an impressive escort, and told her that the government had decreed an end to the practice of footbinding. (Note: Among the upper and middle classes, it had for centuries been the custom that a woman's foot should be wrapped tightly in bandages from infancy, to prevent it from growing. Thus grown women had extremely tiny feet, on which they could walk only with slow, tottering steps, which were thought to be extremely graceful.) The government needed a foot-inspector, a woman (so that she could invade the women's quarters without scandal), with her own feet unbound (so that she could travel), who would patrol the district enforcing the decree. It was soon clear to them both that Gladys was the only possible candidate for the job, and she accepted, realizing that it would give her undreamed-of opportunities to spread the Gospel.

During her second year in Yangchen, Gladys was summoned by the Mandarin. A riot had broken out in the men's prison. She arrived and found that the convicts were rampaging in the prison courtyard, and several of them had been killed. The soldiers were afraid to intervene. The warden of the prison said to Gladys, "Go into the yard and stop the rioting." She said, "How can I do that?" The warden said, "You have been preaching that those who trust in Christ have nothing to fear." She walked into the courtyard and shouted: "Quiet! I cannot hear when everyone is shouting at once. Choose one or two spokesmen, and let me talk with them." The men quieted down and chose a spokesman. Gladys talked with him, and then came out and told the warden: "You have these men cooped up in crowded conditions with absolutely nothing to do. No wonder they are so edgy that a small dispute sets off a riot. You must give them work. Also, I am told that you do not supply food for them, so that they have only what their relatives send them. No wonder they fight over food. We will set up looms so that they can weave cloth and earn enough money to buy their own food." This was done. There was no money for sweeping reforms, but a few friends of the warden donated old looms, and a grindstone so that the men could work grinding grain. The people began to call Gladys Aylward "Ai-weh-deh," which means "Virtuous One." It was her name from then on.

Soon after, she saw a woman begging by the road, accompanied by a child covered with sores and obviously suffering severe malnutrition. She satisfied herself that the woman was not the child's mother, but had kidnapped the child and was using it as an aid to her begging. She bought the child for ninepence--a girl about five years old. A year later, "Ninepence" came in with an abandoned boy in tow, saying, "I will eat less, so that he can have something." Thus Ai-weh-deh acquired a second orphan, "Less." And so her family began to grow.... She was a regular and welcome visitor at the palace of the Mandarin, who found her religion ridiculous, but her conversation stimulating. In 1936, she officially became a Chinese citizen. She lived frugally and dressed like the people around her (as did the missionaries who arrived a few years after in in the neighboring town of Tsechow, David and Jean Davis and their young son Murray, of Wales), and this was a major factor in making her preaching effective.

Then the war came. In the spring of 1938, Japanese planes bombed the city of Yangcheng, killing many and causing the survivors to flee into the mountains. Five days later, the Japanese Army occupied Yangcheng, then left, then came again, then left. The Mandarin gathered the survivors and told them to retreat into the mountains for the duration. He also announced that he was impressed by the life of Ai-weh-deh and wished to make her faith his own. There remained the question of the convicts at the jail. The traditional policy favored beheading them all lest they escape. The Mandarin asked Ai-weh-deh for advice, and a plan was made for relatives and friends of the convicts to post a bond guaranteeing their good behavior. Every man was eventually released on bond. As the war continued Gladys often found herself behind Japanese lines, and often passed on information, when she had it, to the armies of China, her adopted country. She met and became friends with "General Ley," a Roman Catholic priest from Europe who had teken up arms when the Japanese invaded, and now headed a guerilla force. Finally he sent her a message. The Japanese are coming in full force. We are retreating. Come with us." Angry, she scrawled a Chinese note, Chi Tao Tu Pu Twai, "Christians never retreat!" He sent back a copy of a Japanese handbill offering $100 each for the capture, dead or alive, of (1) the Mandarin, (2) a prominent merchant, and (3) Ai-weh-deh. She determined to flee to the government orphanage at Sian, bringing with her the children she had accumulated, about 100 in number. (An additional 100 had gone ahead earlier with a colleague.) With the children in tow, she walked for twelve days. Some nights they found shelter with friendly hosts. Some nights they spent unprotected on the mountainsides. On the twelfth day, they arrived at the Yellow River, with no way to cross it. All boat traffic had stopped, and all civilian boats had been seized to keep them out of the hands of the Japanese. The children wanted to know, "Why don't we cross?" She said, "There are no boats." They said, "God can do anything. Ask Him to get us across." They all knelt and prayed. Then they sang. A Chinese officer with a patrol heard the singing and rode up. He heard their story and said, "I think I can get you a boat." They crossed, and after a few more difficulties Ai-weh-deh delivered her charges into competent hands at Sian, and then promptly collapsed with typhus fever and sank into delirium for several days.

As her health gradually improved, she started a Christian church in Sian, and worked elsewhere, including a settlement for lepers in Szechuan, near the borders of Tibet. Her health was permanently impaired by injuries received during the war, and in 1947 she returned to England for a badly needed operation. She remained in England, preaching there.

In 1957, Alan Burgess wrote a book about her, The Small Woman. It was condensed in The Reader's Digest, and made into a movie called The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, starring Ingrid Bergman. When Newsweek magazine reviewed the movie, and summarized the plot, a reader, supposing the story to be fiction, wrote in to say, "In order for a movie to be good, the story should be believable!" Miss Gladys Aylward, the Small Woman, Ai-weh-deh, died 3 January 1970.

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servant Gladys Aylward, whom thou didst call to preach the Gospel to the people of China. Raise up, we beseech thee, in this and every land heralds and evangelists of thy kingdom, that thy Church may make proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

If God is calling you to do something, adopt the Nike principle and 'Just do it'. Yes it may be risky and it may cost you everything but be strong and courageous knowing that God will be with you wherever you go. Make a decision and a set up a plan to go for it this year.

Daily Rules from God for 2011

2011-01-01T07:16:00.000Z

1. Wake Up. Decide to have a good day. 'Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up. The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. 'The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.' I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up. Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. 'He who guards his lips guards his soul.' Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up ... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. 'Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...' Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up... To Jesus.
'I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.' Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up... For something higher. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.'
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!... Your Prayers.
'Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.'
Philippians 4:6. Remember that God answers Knee-Mail.

A great prayer for the New Year

2010-12-30T06:59:00.000Z

I arise today through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who desires me ill,
Afar and a near,
Alone or in a multitude.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me.

Lorica, St. Patrick

Audacious (live) MOVE IN ME

2010-12-23T09:36:00.004Z

Love this song and think the guys at Audacious nailed it! I TRUST IN YOUR PLAN.
WHO CAN SEPERATE US FROM THE LOVE OF CHRIST?

Awesome - well done guys.

MOVE IN ME - Audacious
Intro:  C F    Am C

Verse (same rhythm as intro)
C         F                      Am      C
 Who can seperate us from the love of Christ
C          F                           Am      C
 What can come between us when we're in your light
Dm       F       C
I trust in you, always
Dm       F
I trust in you

Chorus
            C        F
I know you're moving
            Am        G
I know you're moving in me

Verse 2
Whether rich or poor I am content in you
In life or death my faith will not be moved
Dm       F      C
I trust in you, always
Dm       F
I trust in you

Chorus
            C        F
I know you're moving
            Am        G
I know you're moving in me

Bridge
      Am             G
Move in me, move in my soul
    C             G
Be my God, take control
     Am                          G
I will praise, though I don't understand
   C                  Dm
I submit, I choose your plan

Repeat Chorus

Build up
Am   C x4

Tag
C  F          Am       C
Wo-ah, we are found in you
C            F
Who can seperate us from the
Am                     C
Love that is in Christ Jesus

End on first line of verse
C            F                   Am      C
Who can seperate us from the love of Christ

Story of the Nativity 2.0

2010-12-20T12:39:00.000Z

This little light of mine...Nice one LZ7

2010-12-15T23:16:00.001Z

Hallelujah!

2010-12-14T14:26:00.002Z

7 Examples of Shallow Leadership

2010-12-10T14:28:00.000Z

Check out this article below:

November 23, 2010 in Change,Innovation,Leadership,Organizational Leadership,Team Leadership with 20 Comments

Growing in our leadership abilities, knowledge and relationships should be a goal for every leader. Many leaders settle for status quo leadership rather than stretching themselves as leaders. They remain oblivious to the real health of their leadership and the organization. I call it shallow leadership. Perhaps you’ve seen this before in leadership. Maybe you’ve been guilty of providing shallow leadership. I certainly have.

Here are 7 characteristics of shallow leadership:

Thinking your idea will be everyone’s idea…

Believing that your way is the only way..

Assuming you already know the answer…

Pretending to care when really you don’t…

Giving the response that makes you most popular…

Refusing to learn something new…

Ignoring the warning signs of an unhealthy environment…

Have you seen shallow leadership before? What would you add to my list?

Questions for leaders to ask

2010-12-07T12:19:00.002Z

Read this excellent post by Make Lake that really challenged me. Check it out and I hope it challenges you too!

7 Leadership Development Questions to Ask Yourself

Not many people are satisfied with the level of leadership development taking place in their organization. Yet few take serious strides to really do anything about it. Leadership development requires focus and discipline. Here are 7 questions to stir your thinking at the beginning of the week.

1. Am I rewarding and celebrating the reproduction of leaders?

2. Am I challenging older leaders in our organization to reproduce themselves?

3. Am I making leadership development and mentoring simple enough?

4. Am I tracking and measuring the development of leaders?

5. Am I modeling a lifestyle of leadership development for others in my organization?

6. Am I talking with my key leaders on a consistent basis about the up and coming potential leaders in our organization?

7. Am I taking a risk on any young talent in our organization?

None of us are likely to be doing all these things perfectly but if we focus and plan we can improve by 1% this week, 1% next week and over time with concentrated effort it will make a big difference.

Here are a few of the things I’ve been learning lately…

2010-12-07T10:17:00.000Z

Relevant ideas are born out of listening to others. If you need an inspirational idea, listen for need.

Interest is not the same as commitment. Many people are interested in what we lead but not everyone is readily committed to join the cause.

Enthusiasm alone does not make a movement

Mission is born when the leader spends time understanding the heart, intention and calling of God.

Values have to be expressed daily in order to truly become ingrained in your churches culture.

Leadership is a well that runs deep and requires a lifelong process of learning.

You don’t have the right vision until it makes your heart race.

Be who God created you to be not what others expect you to be or what your insecurities tell you to be.

Growth comes in waves, so be ready to ride it when it comes.

What are you learning? Write it down, apply it, reinforce it through repetition and teach it to others.

Failure – A One of a kind teacher by Rick Warren

2010-12-04T14:15:00.000Z

This is a great read from Rick Warren. Thanks Rick for your continued wisdom.

Failure is one of God’s primary tools in making you the kind of person—and leader—He wants you to be. He’ll use failure to mold you, shape you, and develop your character. The truth is, we rarely learn anything from success. When we succeed we immediately think, “It’s just because of my sheer natural talent.” We don’t figure out why we succeeded.

But if we’re wise we’ll use our failures to our advantage. Wise people make the most of failure. It’s a stepping-stone to greater days.
So how can failure benefit me? There’s lots of ways, but here are three of the most important.

1. God uses failure to educate me. (Psalm 119:71) Mistakes are a learning process. You figure out what doesn’t work and eventually you’ll figure out what does work. We only learn certain things through failure. It’s just trial and error. At Saddleback, we’ve done more that didn’t work than did. Eventually, we find something that works, hold a seminar, and pretend like we knew what we were doing all along.

2. God uses failure to motivate me. (Proverbs 20:30) We don’t usually change when we see the light; we change when we feel the heat. Sometimes God has to use a little pain to get us to change and steer us in a new direction. Remember when God dried up the little brook that Elijah depended upon for refreshment (1 Kings 17). God wanted him to move on. Sometimes it takes failure to make us do what God wants us to do.

3. God uses failure to help me grow. (Romans 5:3-4) Failure can actually cultivate our character and help us grow. Romans 5:3-4 says we should rejoice when we run into problems and trials because they “are good for us.” Why can we rejoice in failure? God uses problems to cultivate our character. Failure has a way of softening our hearts. It makes us sensitive to others. It makes us less judgmental. It makes us more sympathetic.

Failure in our lives does not automatically educate us, motivate us, or help us grow. Failure only benefits you if you respond correctly. I know a lot of people who have been through problem after problem, and they’re still jerks. Why? They haven’t responded in the way God wanted them to so God couldn’t use it.

You may want to forget your worst failures, but God wants to turn them into teachable moments.

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-12-02T14:10:00.000Z

Click here

http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com - On Nov.13 2010 unsuspecting shoppers got a big surprise while enjoying their lunch. Over 100 participants in this awesome Christmas Flash Mob. This is a must see!

This flash mob was organized by http://www.AlphabetPhotography.com to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Special thanks to Robert Cooper and Chorus Niagara, The Welland Seaway Mall, and Fagan Media Group.

Penny's Heart: An Inspiring Story

2010-11-18T18:53:00.002Z

The Gorman family share the story about how God has given them strength as they fight to keep their little girl, Penny, alive. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Listen to the story

John Wesley’s Twelve Rules for Preachers

2010-11-12T13:06:00.001Z

John Wesley (1703-1791) was one of the key leaders of the Evangelical Awakening in Britain during the mid-18th century. Circumstances drove Wesley to adopt itinerant evangelistic preaching, an idea he picked up from his friend and former student George Whitefield. Once Wesley embraced itinerancy, he extended his movement’s influence by appointing other itinerant preachers to serve various “circuits” (regional networks) of “classes” (small groups)–Wesley hoped this strategy would bring evangelical renewal to the Church of England. It did bring some renewal, but the greater fruit was the Methodist denominations that were birthed in both North America (1784) and Britain (1795).

Wesley laid out twelve rules for preachers who wished to serve as Methodist itinerants. While some of the rules themselves are not strictly applicable to a settled, non-Methodist ministry, there is still much wisdom to be gleaned from the principles Wesley articulated. The following is taken from John Telford’s The Life of John Wesley (Hodder & Stoughton, 1886), which is available online at the Wesley Center for Applied Theology at Northwest Nazarene University.

Wesley’s name for his itinerants was “preachers” or “helpers.” The preacher whose name stood first in the appointment for any circuit was the assistant, now known as the superintendent, who had oversight of all the work of the circuit. “In what view may we and our helpers be considered?” was another question. “Perhaps as extraordinary messengers (i.e., out of the ordinary way), designed—1. To provoke the regular ministers to jealousy. 2. To supply their lack of service towards those who are perishing for lack of knowledge.” Wesley’s twelve rules of a helper are still cherished as the guiding principles of a Methodist preacher :—

1. Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never while away time, nor spend more time at any place than is strictly necessary.

2. Be serious. Let your motto be, ‘Holiness to the Lord.’ Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking.

3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with women, particularly with young women.

4. Take no step towards marriage without solemn prayer to God and consulting with your brethren.

5. Believe evil of no one unless fully proved; take heed how you credit it. Put the best construction you can on everything. You know the judge is always supposed to be on the prisoner’s side.

6. Speak evil of no one, else your word, especially, would eat as doth a canker; keep your thoughts within your own breast till you come to the person concerned.

7. Tell every one what you think wrong in him, lovingly and plainly, and as soon as may be, else it will fester in your own heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom.

8. Do not affect the gentleman. A preacher of the Gospel is the servant of alL

9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin; no, not of cleaning your own shoes when necessary.

10. Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And do not mend our rules, but keep them, and that for conscience’ sake.

11. You have nothing to do but to save souls. Therefore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not only to those who want you, but to those who want you most.

12. Act in all things, not according to your own will, but as a son in the Gospel, and in union with your brethren. As such, it is your part to employ your time as our rules direct: partly in preaching and visiting from i house to house, partly in reading, meditation, and prayer. Above all, if you labour with us in our Lord’s vineyard, it is needful you should do that part of the work which the Conference shall advise, at those times and places which they shall judge most for His glory.

“Observe, it is not your business to preach so many times, and to take care merely of this or that Society, but to save as many souls as you can, to bring as many sinners as you possibly can to repentance, and, with all• your power, to build them up in that holiness without which they cannot see the Lord. And, remember, a Methodist preacher is to mind every point, great and small, in the Methodist discipline. Therefore you will need all the grace and sense you have, and to have all your wits about you.”

Generosity matters

2010-11-10T23:14:00.000Z

The Bible instructs believers to be generous in every area of life.

If you are going to be a faithful steward, I challenge you to:

1. Declare who is Lord of your life
2. Understand what a faithful steward is
3. Be thankful for what you have, you have more than you realise
4. Give to God first
5. Give to God systematically
6. Give according to your means
7. Give cheerfully
8. Give regularly

Everything you will ever own in this life belongs to God and we are only stewards of it for a while!

Great post by John Maxwell

2010-11-07T18:25:00.001Z

Leading with Excellence: Setting Personal Standards of Success

"Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be." ~ Zig Ziglar

Wise leaders set personal standards of excellence rather than allowing external forces to define success or failure for them. They set their standards above and beyond what others require, consistently delivering results that surpass expectations. In honoring their standards of excellence, credible leaders go first and give the most, modeling the work ethic they desire to see from teammates.

On the other hand, when leaders accept standards placed upon them by others, they sacrifice self-control. They begin to live inauthentic lives, chasing after "goals" they didn't set and violating their values in ways they never would have thought possible. In my experience, there are four common culprits that leaders foolishly allow to override their personal standards.

1) Competition

Allowing the competition to set your standards pulls you off mission and away from your unique strengths and values. Being overly concerned with your rivals may cause you to copy their unethical tactics or to engage in unprincipled behavior in an effort to win at all costs. In leadership, you have to chart your own course. Never allow the competition to choose the path for you.

2) Circumstances

Since there are so many factors beyond our control, in leadership we cannot gauge excellence solely on short-term results. Outcomes are important and goals have merit, but at times circumstances will conspire to block our progress. Consider the economic downturn. For leaders with standards of success tied to stock prices or bottom line profits, the last two years must seem like miserable failures. Keep your personal standards independent of life circumstances so that no matter what is going on around you, you can still achieve excellence.

3) Critics

As a leader, you will be criticized. You'll be scrutinized, second-guessed, and disparaged. Don't confuse excellence with pleasing others. If you do, you'll always feel like a failure, because it's impossible to please all of the people all of the time. Stay true to your personal standards and don't sacrifice them to pacify your critics.

4) Cheerleaders

When you're successful, you gain the applause of everyone around you. The applause massages your ego and begins to substitute for the fulfillment of meeting personal standards. If you're not careful, you can develop an addiction to applause. Instead of pursuing excellence you play to the crowd, craving their adoration. Seeking popularity over principle, you allow others to measure excellence for you and to define your worth.

To avoid the trap of pandering to applause, surround yourself with people who tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. The higher you go in leadership, the harder it becomes for your teammates to give you honest feedback. Make a point to stay humble and approachable so that you do not become self-deluded.

47 lessons life has taught me!

2010-11-04T18:00:00.003Z

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque!

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. Choose to love always - true love will always win.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special!

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait until you are old to wear bright colours!

24. Choose service above self.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Choose to walk through life with humility.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

46. Love God passionately.

47. Love your wife as much as Christ loves his church!

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!

2010-10-15T09:09:00.002+01:00

Check this out Amazing - Congrats to Liu Wei!

Losing his arms in an accident at age 10, Liu Wei from Beijing never gives up on his dreams. He has learned to do everything with his feet and started to learn to play piano at age 19. His dream is to become a musician—and he has done just that! He just won the China's Got Talent Show on Oct. 10, 2010. In the final, he played piano and sang the song "You're Beautiful" as a reminder that everyone is beautiful despite outward appearances.

The Gospel - IS Good news

2010-10-13T08:49:00.001+01:00

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures . . .” -1 Corinthians 15:1–4

What is the Gospel? The word gospel simply means “good news.” The central message of the Bible is the gospel, or good news, about the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:1–4, Paul provides the most succinct summary of the gospel: the man Jesus is also God, or Christ, and died on a cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sins; three days later He rose to conquer sin and death and give the gift of salvation to all who believe in Him alone for eternal life.

The great reformer Martin Luther rightly said that, as sinners, we are prone to pursue a relationship with God in one of two ways. The first is religion/spirituality and the second is the gospel. The two are antithetical in every way.

Religion says that if we obey God He will love us. The gospel says that it is because God has loved us through Jesus that we can obey.

Religion says that the world is filled with good people and bad people. The gospel says that the world is filled with bad people who are either repentant or unrepentant.

Religion says that you should trust in what you do as a good moral person. The gospel says that you should trust in the perfectly sinless life of Jesus because He alone is the only good and truly moral person who will ever live.

The goal of religion is to get from God such things as health, wealth, insight, power, and control. The goal of the gospel is not the gifts God gives, but rather God as the gift given to us by grace.

Religion is about what I have to do. The gospel is about what I get to do. Religion sees hardship in life as punishment from God. The gospel sees hardship in life as sanctifying affliction that reminds us of Jesus’ sufferings and is used by God in love to make us more like Jesus. Religion is about me. The gospel is about Jesus.

Religion leads to an uncertainty about my standing before God because I never know if I have done enough to please God. The gospel leads to a certainty about my standing before God because of the finished work of Jesus on my behalf on the cross.

Religion ends in either pride (because I think I am better than other people) or despair (because I continually fall short of God’s commands). The gospel ends in humble and confident joy because of the power of Jesus at work for me, in me, through me, and sometimes in spite of me.

I need thee every hour...

2010-10-03T22:40:00.001+01:00

Used this video on Sunday. I was asked several times for it so here it is - Enjoy!

The Story of Grace By Andy Stanley

2010-09-16T14:11:00.002+01:00

Read this by Andy Stanley today - totally awesome!

Grace.

What I crave most when my guilt is exposed. The very thing I'm hesitant to extend when I'm confronted with the guilt of others—especially when their guilt has robbed me of something I consider valuable.

Therein is the struggle, the struggle for grace. It's this struggle that makes grace more story than doctrine. It's the struggle that reminds us that grace is bigger than compassion or forgiveness. That struggle is the context for both. When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing. But when correctly applied, it seems to solve just about everything. Contrary to what is sometimes taught, the opposite of grace is not law. As we will discover, God's law is actually an extension of grace. The opposite of grace is simply the absence of grace.

To say that someone deserves grace is a contradiction in terms. You can no more deserve grace than you can plan your own surprise party. In the same way that planning voids the idea of surprise, so claiming to deserve voids the idea of grace. You can ask for it. You can plead for it. But the minute you think you deserve it, the it you think you deserve is no longer grace. It is something you have earned.

But grace can't be earned.

To earn something is to find an equivalent. There is no equivalent where grace is concerned. Grace is birthed from hopeless inequity. Grace is the offer of exactly what we do not deserve. Thus, it cannot be recognized or received until we are aware of precisely how undeserving we really are. It is the knowledge of what we do not deserve that allows us to receive grace for what it is. Unmerited. Unearned. Undeserved. For that reason, grace can only be experienced by those who acknowledge they are undeserving.

From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. Yet history has shown that the church and Christianity in general fare best when characterized by grace. The church is most appealing when the message of grace is most apparent. Yet grace is often an early casualty in the world of organized religion. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. Instead of defining itself in terms of what it stands for, the church often takes the less imaginative and easier path of defining itself in terms of what it is against.

The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion. The only group he attacked relentlessly was graceless religious leaders. So we should not be surprised when we get to the end of the Gospels and discover that the people who crucified him were those who claimed to know God but knew little of grace. In doing so, they confirmed everything he said about them.

Grace is not a New Testament idea. Grace didn't begin with Jesus. But it was certainly personified by him. John tells us that he was "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14; emphasis added). Not the balance between, but the embodiment of. John speaks of "the fullness of his grace" (1:16), the idea being that in Jesus we get as clear and as close a look as we will ever get of what grace looks like in an otherwise graceless world.

In Jesus there was no conflict between grace and truth. It is that artificial conflict that throws so much of Christianity into disarray. It is our misunderstanding of grace, as modeled and taught by Jesus, that leaves us feeling as if grace allows people to "get by" with things.

But grace doesn't dumb down sin to make it more palatable. Grace doesn't have to. Grace acknowledges the full implication of sin and yet does not condemn.

But not just any grace.

The grace of God.

One is too small a number to achieve greatness

2010-09-07T11:23:00.003+01:00

A Chinese Proverb I recently read states. 'behind an able man there are always other able men.' The trust is that teamwork is at the heart of every great achievement. The question isn't whether teams have value. The question is whether we acknowledge the that fact and become better team players.

Einstein once remarked, 'Many times a day I realise how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labours of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received'. WOW!! How awesome is that.

President Lyndon Johnson said, 'There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few we can solve ourselves.' Why try and go it alone? You've probably heard this before but, even the Lone Ranger rode with Tonto!

I am convinced that team work is and has always been essential where there is anything significant happens.

Teams involve more people that hols more resource, ideas and energy than anyone individual can have.

Teams maximise a leaders potential and minimise weaknesses.

Teams provide multiple perspectives on how to meet a need or reach a goal.

Teams share the credit for victories and the blame for losses. I think this is at the core of fostering genuine humility and authentic community.

Teams are accountable for keeping the goal in focus.

Individuals play the game, but teams win championships.

Never give up

2010-08-26T14:50:00.002+01:00

Watched this and it brought me to tears!

Drawn to a winning cause

2010-08-22T08:14:00.003+01:00

Read a quote this week that inspired much thought:

'People are drawn to a winning cause. People are not drawn to groups that complain, lament, scold, whine. Most of them have enough of these negatives in their loves. People are drawn to groups that help them grow, develop, advance and build their lives. Congregations having the confidence that they are participating in the winning cause of God's mission will grow in generosity and the more people will be reached in your locality. People always give to a winning cause not a sinking ship!'

WOW... So much in this! Thoughts:

Jesus must be prominent and seen as the KING of kings and head of HIS church

Creating the right culture in church is crucial

Confidence in leadership and the vision,

Participation of everyone

The church is to be a discipling and equipping environment

Jesus mission must be our focus

Generosity

Community impact as church and resources are released

Now there's a series just from a quote!

Over the last few years at MKCC we have been engaged in a major building project to extend our current facilities to allow us to grow. Every day there has been change and progress taking place and I have enjoyed watching it. This is how it ought to be in church life as Jesus is the builder and is actively at work in us daily by his Holy Spirit. Movement, change, activity, progress, obstacles, developments...etc - Just normal really. If Jesus is building his church then there is always something happening! If there's not to much happening or changing, the warning light should be flashing in your life or church!!

As we move forward into the purposes of God, I believe that people want their lives to count by having a part in a spiritual movement, not a monument! Church suppose to be alive, relevant, influencing society and actively making a difference in the community.

Let's all get fully involved - Someone else's miracle is waiting on the other end of your obedience! God is waiting for you to say, here I am use me. Let's start BEING the church and quit ATTENDING church. Let's follow Christ with passion and and serve his purposes together to the end.

Psalm 23 - An eye opener!

2010-08-10T11:18:00.002+01:00

Some have probably never thought or looked at this Psalm in this way, even though they read it or say it over and over again.

The Lord is my Shepherd - That's Relationship!

I shall not want - That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters - That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul - That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness - That's Guidance!

For His name sake - That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - That's Testing!

I will fear no evil - That's Protection!

For Thou art with me - That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me - That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies - That's Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil - That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over - That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - That's Security!

Forever - That's Eternity!

You have no idea how much God loves you!

A poem - What God has promised..

2010-08-05T22:22:00.001+01:00

Someone sent me this poem today that I found incredibly encouraging.

When you face difficulties, trial or pain in your life let this little poem speak to you.

God has not promised...
Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain
BUT God has promised...
Strenght for the day
Rest for the labour
Light for the way
Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love

Let's focus our thoughts on what God has promised even in the storms and know that he WILL carry us through it all.

You need others around you!

2010-07-08T18:00:00.002+01:00

'There isn't a single person in the world who can make a pencil. The wood may have come from a wood in Washington, the graphite from a mine in South America, and the eraser from a Malaysian rubber plantation. Thousands of people cooperate to make a pencil.' Milton Friedman

Simple cooperation between people will always enhance work or ministry efficiency and/or effectiveness!

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no-one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV

Moses said...'I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden of these people is too heavy for me' ....So the Lord said .... 'Gather to me seventy men....I will take of the spirit that is upon you and will put the same spirit upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone'. Numbers 11:11-17 NKJV

Nothing of significance is ever achieved by an individual alone.

I know it v's I DO IT!

2010-06-25T10:36:00.003+01:00

In today’s world we are fortunate to be saturated with unlimited information. There is a book you can buy, a podcast to watch, a Google search to assist, a course you can attend on anything you need etc etc... Whether it is personal development and growth or tackling the many complex issues you may face in your life or career.

For me in my work, if I had enough money and time I could go from one conference to another collecting notebooks full of leadership insights. I really think that finding the knowledge and information regarding the challenges of leadership is easy now a days.

So why is it that after spending hours on the internet, reading books and listening to experts so many of us still make mistakes?

As I’m exposed to leadership principles I often find myself thinking, “I know that.” To be honest most leadership is simply common sense, so when we’re exposed to leadership principles it’s easy to think, “I know that.”

BUT “I know that” doesn’t mean a thing unless I apply it. Knowledge has no significant effect unless it impacts my behavior.

So as I am researching, reading or listening to essential leadership principles my focus must change from “I know that” to “I do that”. If I can’t say “I do that” then I should stop, write down the principle and find a way to put it into practice immediately. Then after repeated practice I can begin to say, “I do that”. And that’s when you really begin to grow as a leader.

Thoughts & Destiny

2010-06-22T12:11:00.002+01:00

Read this recently and it really made me think!

'Carefully watch your THOUGHTS, for they become your WORDS
Manage and watch your WORDS, for they will become your ACTIONS
Consider and judge your ACTIONS, for they have become your HABITS
Acknowledge and watch your HABITS. for they shall become your VALUES Understand and embrace your VALUES, for they become YOUR DESTINY'

So where do you need to do some work?

What’s the difference between discipleship and leadership development?

2010-05-25T09:37:00.001+01:00

This is a good question. Mac Lake explains that fundamentally the process is the same, but the focus is different.

Discipleship I learn to live like Jesus
Leadership development I learn to lead like Jesus

Discipleship is primarily about character
Leadership development is primarily about competencies

Discipleship is about leading self
Leadership development is about leading others

Discipleship is about cultivating intimacy with God
Leadership development is about cultivating influence with people.

What other distinctions would you add to this list?

Our words are SO important

2010-05-12T09:35:00.002+01:00

Words inspire, encourage and empower. The facts are they either build or destroy the people in your life!

The words we use as leaders can make a world of difference in the energy level and performance of our team members.

Here are a few words we need to use on a regular basis…

We

I’m sorry

Thank you

It’s your decision

Try it again

Great job

You can do it

We can do it

I trust you

Let me know what you need

Post this list of words somewhere prominent and see how often you can use them in your life intentionality.

Choosing the right card for your girl can be difficult!!

2010-05-06T14:10:00.002+01:00

Funny guys!!

Leaders change the way we see the world

2010-04-23T09:01:00.000+01:00

Leaders bring hope to the hopeless
Leaders make the impossible seem possible
Leaders find opportunity in the midst of obstacles
Leaders bring clarity out of confusion
Leaders inspire movement where there is stagnation
Leaders see potential in people
Leaders model the mission

Leaders change the way people see the world.

Amazing Grace - HOW SWEET THE SOUND!

2010-04-21T10:57:00.001+01:00

I shed a few tears today over this video. Think you might too!

Thank God for his amazing restoring grace in your life right now.

Looking at the Life of the Apostle Peter

2010-04-18T13:35:00.003+01:00

Further to my preaching today, check out this video on the life of the Apostle Peter. I know you will find it inspiring and helpful.

A look at the life of the Apostle Peter

Jesus impacted Peter's life to make an impact in the world around him. That is exactly what he wants to do in and through every believer. May Peter's journey of obedience, surrender, faith, forgiveness, courage, boldness and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit inspire us as Christians to carry the baton passed to us to share the gospel in this generation.

Building the Confidence of others around you

2010-04-14T11:24:00.002+01:00

What’s the confidence level of the people around you? Is it high or low?

Let me ask you a question. Are you intentionally building the confidence of those around you? Your family, friends, work colleagues, or those you lead?

It is so easy to neglect or take for granted the good people you have around you in life. We need to take the time to encourage and build their confidence which in turn will help them achieve far more.

A note for leaders: People’s level of confidence is generally tied to the type of leadership they receive: Affirmation, communication and feedback help boost confidence, while criticism, neglect and lack of coaching deplete confidence.

This problem is often rooted in the fact that as leaders we get so focused on results that we fail to look more closely at the person who delivers those results. Ever been guilty of that?

Someone who lacks confidence will not deliver their very best results. So we need to find ways to boost their confidence as much as possible.

What can you do today to build the confidence level of someone around you?

NINE LESSONS IN LEADING CHANGE

2010-04-08T10:53:00.002+01:00

Had an email from George Ridley Director of Lightforce International today who forwarded this to me. Check it out - Brilliant!

Came across the theme in a magazine so have taken the skeleton, added a thought or two and thought it might be helpful in the various environments of church, business, training and voluntary organisations in which we work and serve.

1. Cut hard and early – in challenging times always be ready to bite the bullet, face the situation and deal with it sooner rather than later.

2. Trust your instincts – often we over analyse and fail to use our gut instincts. Especially true when we face issues about people.

3. Outline your vision early- sometimes we fail to set out the vision for the change that needs to happen. Failing to lay out the clear picture of what needs to happen can often stop our staff getting on board.

4. Spot the terrorists – be clear about who is on board, sometimes the early allies can turn out to be saboteurs! Finding your real friends is one of the most important skill to develop.

5. The senior team in crucial – we must have a senior team around us who share the vision and work to bring others on board. Everything else will flow from this.

6. Be honest about unpopular decisions – change is often motivated by crisis. It is always necessary to be completely honest about the scale of the challenge we face.

7. Use peer mentors – impartial voices of experience are invaluable.

8. Bring in external input – use reliable, experienced people to help work through the process of change. These people can help you think the unthinkable.

9. Be totally honest with your Eldership/Board – if you want total support and backing it will come through being totally honest and walking together through the process.

Let others around you make decisions and GROW

2010-04-04T12:20:00.000+01:00

Leaders are decision makers.

I heard someone say, “The leader gets paid the big bucks not to make the most decisions but to make the tough decisions.” However, there are some leaders who feel it’s their job too make most of the decisions and as a result hinder the development of others on their team. If you want to help potential leaders, give them some decisions to wrestle with. When you allow others to make decisions you GIVE them a gift and you GET great benefit.

When you give them the power to make decisions you’re GIVING them:

1. The opportunity to feel greater contribution and ownership
2. A greater sense of confidence
3. A greater feeling that you trust their judgment
4. The opportunity to gain leadership credibility among others experience, experience, experience

On the other hand you GET:

1. The opportunity to watch how they make decisions and see their leadership
potential
2. The chance to coach them before, during and after the decision
3. Leaders who are increasingly confident to make more difficult decisions
4. A potential successor who could one day take your place

A Challenge: What decisions can you give away this week?

gaining respect in your leadership

2010-04-03T08:12:00.000+01:00

Most people want to be respected! I read a few challenging things from Mac Lake the other day that I think are well worth reading.

Every leader I’ve ever met wants to be respected and held in high regard. We feel this way in part because we know if people don’t respect us they won’t follow us. But sometimes we feel this way because of our insecurities.

An egotistical desire to be admired can cause a leader to act in ways that keep people from giving him the very thing he so desperately seeks. In fact the insecure leader leads out of a pride whose sole purpose is Image Management rather than Kingdom Influence.

One of the greatest dangers for us as leaders is to find our identity in our leadership rather than The One who called us to leadership. Those who lead from a spirit of pride ultimately discover that it destroys their leadership reputation.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:12, “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,but humility comes before honor.” The Hebrew word for honor is kabowd which means “abundance or dignity“. It’s interesting that the root of this word means “to be heavy or weighty.” In other words humility gives weight or credibility to your leadership.

The temptation of every leader is to try to impress, command, have all the answers, divert blame or brag in order to gain the respect of others. But secure leaders who find their sense of identity through their relationship with Christ are free to operate from a spirit of humility. They understand the long term respect needed to gain leadership influence is preceded by humility not image management.

So what is a disciple? (Part 5)

2010-04-01T20:14:00.000+01:00

This will be my last blog on this...

A disciple is someone who:

5. Is dedicated to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:18-20 (NIV)

These words are known as the great commission but sadly in many Christians lives and churches it is more like the 'great omission'.

The ultimate goal of our discipleship is to disciple others. We are not called to make converts only but to make disciples.

We can only disciple others in those areas in which we have become a disciple ourselves.

So....How are you doing?

There are other things I could continue to write about but feel my last 5 blogs are some of the areas in which I have been challenged about.

So what is a disciple? (Part 4)

2010-03-30T19:43:00.000+01:00

I am still focused on some of the effects of a person who is fully following Jesus.

A disciple is someone who:

4. Is committed to others in sacrifical 'Koinonia' fellowship

Rick Warren says that true meaning of fellowship is 'being committed to one another as we are to Christ'. WOW, think about that!

This is a great testimony and witness to our discipleship (John 13:24-35)

This is more than just ordinary human love. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated to us. It is unconditional love that does not look for a return to stimulate it's action. God loved us while we were still sinners!

1 John 4:10-11 (New International Version) This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for[a] our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

The only chance of this happening is to open ourselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that, 'God has poured out his love into our hearts by his spirit'(ROM 5:5)

A Question to ponder: Is my heart filled with God's love to such an extent that I am able to love others in a sacrificial way?

So...... YOU GUESSED IT.... How are you doing?

So what is a disciple? (Part 3)

2010-03-28T18:18:00.000+01:00

My thoughts today are around the effects of Jesus at work in the life of a person who is fully following Jesus.

What is a disciple?

A disciple is someone who:

3. Lives in a fruit-bearing relationship with Jesus

Before Jesus went to the cross he told his disciples what his desire for them was, that they 'bear fruit and fruit that lasts'. (John 15:4-5) NIV. A key word in this passage is 'remain'. If you are REMAIN IN the vine, the promise is that you will bear much fruit; THEN A WARNING...apart from me you can do nothing.

Watlon Moore writes: 'Our union with Christ makes possible a life through which others can be saved. When a tree is so full of sap that it can no longer hold it, the result is fruit! When a Christian is so full of Christ, others see him and hear about him and are then spiritually reborn into the Kingdom of God. Thus, new believers are one fruit of discipleship'

While it is good and desirable to display the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23), it also carries the thoughts of personal witness, evangelism and soul winning. Without this kind of fruit-bearing in our lives the Kingdom of God will not be expanded.

I want to challenge you today to be passionate about your relationship with Christ. Do not allow anything to take your eyes off Jesus. Allow his word and his spirit to fill you continually and overflow from your life - bearing fruit.

How are you doing?

So what is a disciple? (Part 2)

2010-03-26T17:50:00.000Z

The second point today is a great challenge to us all but crucial.

A disciple is someone who:

2. Commits their life COMPLETELY to the Master.

TOTAL commitment!! A half-hearted commitment is not enough for Jesus to teach us effectively. Full Submission to him is a important to Jesus because he looks at our desire, heart and trust in him and his ways. He leads us in his love and he is committed to our spiritual growth.

Lets understand something here. Jesus has the right to demand a full on commitment to us as he gave his life for us. NO-ONE ELSE did! Jesus knew that the way to fruitfulness was the path of total commitment and so he point his followers in the same way. (Matt 16:24-25)

Hey, HIS commitment to us is sealed in his own blood, what he wants from us is a commitment of our total love. This is so that we will TRUST him in every step as he takes our life and moulds it in accordance to his will. The Apostle Paul caught the meaning of this in 2 Corinthians 5:15.

So how are you doing?

So what is a disciple? (Part 1)

2010-03-24T17:12:00.003Z

I have been thinking much about following Jesus recently...

A believer is called to follow (He is the leader!), to learn from him and to his example. We have been called to become what Jesus is the son of the father in whose life the will of God is fulfilled through commitment and obedience.

A disciple is someone who:

1. Lives continually by the words of Jesus (John 8:31).

This is not an occasional obedience rather one who is commits himself to follow through the teaching of the master. Don't go super spiritual on me here!! It is simply all about putting into practice the inspired word of God - The Bible, that has already been given to us.

NO TRUTH IS LIVING TRUTH UNTIL IT IS LIVED OUT!

Without the stable foundation of obedience to the word of God as the basis of our discipleship we are at the mercy of every subjective notion or feeling that comes along. I challenge us all who profess to be followers of Christ to be fully committed to obedience to God's word.

Like the man who built his house on the rock, we would be well prepared to weather any storm that comes our way.

So how are you doing?

Love has come for US ALL

2010-03-23T13:44:00.002Z

This song inspired me today, totally anointed. Listen to the whole song. I am so thankful for what Jesus has done for me. 'EVERY heart is set free love has come for me. Marvel at his amazing Grace for you, the revelation of his love for you will bring us all to our knees in worship FOREVER MORE.

Awesome - Thanks to Mark Schultz and his band.

Success = Fulfilling the Great Commission

2010-03-17T19:03:00.001Z

This is a great article By Rick Warren.

"Christ doesn’t expect us to produce more than we can but he does expect us to produce all that we can by his power within us. That is a lot more than most of us think is possible."

Jesus has given the church a job to do. We will either succeed or fail at it. I define our success as fulfilling the Great Commission. Using this definition, every church should want to be successful!

What is the alternative? The opposite of success is not faithfulness, but failure! Any church that is not obeying the Great Commission is failing its purpose for existing, no matter what else it does.

Jesus defined faithfulness in terms of behavior - it is a willingness to take risks that require faith in order to be fruitful.

The clearest example of this is the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The two men who doubled the talents the master gave them were called “good and faithfulservants.” In other words, they proved their faithfulness by taking risks that produced fruit. They were successful at the task that they had been assigned, and they were rewarded for it by the master

The passive, fearful servant who did nothing with the talent he was given produced no results to show the master when he returned. He was called “wicked and lazy” in contrast to the two servants called “faithful” who produced results.
"We expect too little from God and we attempt too little for him. If your ministry doesn’t require any faith, then you are being unfaithful."

The point of the story is clear: God expects to see results (fruit) that demonstrate our faithfulness. While others defined faithfulness as orthodoxy, Jesus defined faithfulness as productivity!

Faithfulness is accomplishing as much as possible with the resources and talents God has given you. That’s why comparing churches is an illegitimate way to measure success. Success is not being larger than some other church; it is bearing as much fruit as possible given your gifts, opportunities, and potential.

Christ doesn’t expect us to produce more than we can but he does expect us to produce all that we can by his power within us. That is a lot more than most of us think is possible. We expect too little from God and we attempt too little for him. If you’re not taking any risks in your ministry, then no faith is required to do it. And if your ministry doesn’t require any faith, then you are being unfaithful.

How do you define faithfulness? –

* Are you being faithful if you refuse to learn new methods that work?
* Are you being faithful to the message if you insist on communicating it in an outdated style?
* Are you being faithful if you insist on doing ministry in a way that is comfortable for you even though it doesn’t produce any fruit?
* Are you being faithful to Christ if you value man-made traditions more than reaching people for him?

I contend that when a church continues to use a method that obviously isn’t working- that is unfaithfulness!

A right attitude is so important

2010-03-12T07:59:00.005Z

From an early age I realised having the right attitude was important. I watched people rise and fall, achieve or fail, get chosen or get passed by solely on the basis of their attitude. I have always tried to make the right decision to choose to display the right attitude daily as I recognise it influences the people around me. I remember an old teacher telling me, 'Mark your attitude is a choice' and that comment has remained with me to this day and I believe it to be true.

I am learning a few things:

1. I need to take responsibility for our own attitude
2. Decide to change areas in my life where I know I have a bad attitude
3. Think, act and conduct myself life the person I want to become
4. Place a high value on people
5 Start to really appreciate life

Everyday I want to make adjustments necessary to keeping my attitude right. This really matters to me because it is all about personal growth. Remember, no one is going to be more passionate about it than you!

Make adjustments! I challenge you to start to look for something positive in everything. Find someone positive in every situation. Say something positive in every conversation. Remove negative words from your vocabulary. Express gratitude to others daily.

Are there days you just want to quit?

2010-02-23T10:00:00.002Z

Everyday there are leaders who’ve responded to God’s calling that find themselves tempted to give up. The thing that once stirred passion in their soul somehow became a burden, a chore or an anxiety they could no longer endure. Quitting isn’t always a bad thing, in fact there are times it’s the wise thing to do. But other times a leader finds himself in a dangerous place spiritually, emotionally or physically where he feels he just can’t go forward.

Elijah reached this point in 1 Kings 19 when Jezzabel was seeking to take his life. He said, “I have had enough Lord take my life.” 1 Kings 19:4. He had hit a quitting point.

So why do we sometimes find ourselves tempted to quit? There are lots of possibilities….

1. We get… tired, discouraged, criticized, opposition
2. We run out of…time, money, opportunity, resources
3. We lose… support, confidence, faith, passion, vision Regardless of what got us to that point the fact is we find ourselves in a place where we’ve lost hope.

So how do we reduce the temptation to quit?

1. Get rest – An angel came to Elijah in his depressed state and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” (1 Kings 19:7). When a leader is physically drained he becomes emotionally weak and finds it easier to give up. Get rest, eat right and exercise and you will regain the energy to keep going. A wise leader pauses regularly to rebuild his reserves.

2. Get Perspective – Elijah moaned that he was the only righteous one left and was feeling isolated and abandoned. So God told him, “Go out and stand before me on the mountain.” 1 Kings 19:11 It was there God spoke to him and gave him a whole new perspective. Most of the time when we’re tempted to quit we’re looking at our situation from a wrong perspective. It’s easy to find ourselves looking through the lens of discouragement or criticism. Instead we must discover God’s perspective on our situation.

3. Get a Fresh Direction – God spoke to Elijah and gave him instructions for what was next, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. 16 Then anoint Jehu son of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.” 1 Kings 19:15-16. Sometimes simply getting clarity on our next step is all we need to gain the strength to move forward.

4. Get Support – God directed Elijah to find Elisha and anoint him as his understudy. “So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat…then he went with Elijah as his assistant.” 1Kings 19:19,21. When discouraged it’s essential that we surround ourselves with others who’s faith is strong. Leaning on someone else in times of discouragement is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

What helps you push through quitting points?

Radical devotion comes from an accurate view of Jesus

2010-02-12T10:25:00.002Z

This blew me away today and I hope it challenges you all!. By Perry Noble

Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina, spoke about radical devotion at this week’s Radicalas. Here is an excerpt from his message:

Radical devotion begins with an accurate view of Jesus. I don’t think we would speak to Jesus the way we speak to Jesus sometimes if we just understood who he was.

‘Jesus, I’m over my head!’ I know.

‘Lord, God, I’m so powerless!’ Duh.

‘God, I don’t know what to do.’ I know; that’s why I called you.

I think before we can discover what Jesus wants, we’ve got to see who he is … I believe when we discover who Jesus is, our hearts will beat for the same things that his heart beats for and we will understand what he wants us to do.

We don’t have a resource problem in the church today; we don’t have a staffing problem; we have a Jesus problem and, if we will take the church and bring it back to Jesus -- because it is his to begin with -- that’s when we will see some supernatural things take place among us -- like the Bible says can and should be happening in his church.

Pastor, let me ask you a question: do you want you people to see who you are or do you want your people to see who Jesus is? You can tell by how many pictures of you are in the church vs. how many pictures of Jesus there are. If it’s all about Jesus, pastor, why don’t you go back to your church and take all the pictures of you down and instead point people to the cross -- because if they believe in you, they will go to hell.

Forsaken that we might be forgiven

2010-02-09T21:28:00.003Z

Wept today as I was impacted by God's love for me and you!

Read Luke 23:32-49

If you are like me, I have heard and read this story many times. Yet the significance of this heart wrenching scene is often missed. This was not just a good teacher or a prophet being crucified for his beliefs. It was Jesus the messiah, God in human form who hung on a cross, bridging the gap between sinful people and a holy God.

Matthew's gospel tells us when Jesus hung on the cross he cried out, 'My God my God, why have you forsaken me?' Many Bible scholars believe that this marked the very moment at which God placed the sins of the world upon his son. A Holy God had to turn his face and pour out his wrath upon his own son! Jesus, received the wages that were due us. In those moments Jesus was alone and the ear of the father closed so that it might never be closed to us.

Thank you Jesus. I am ruined by your grace forever!

The greatest demonstartion of love

2010-02-01T16:55:00.001Z

Blown away today!!

The necessity of the death of Jesus on the cross shows just how radical our situation was and is as fallen people. I heard it once said that you can tell the depth of a well by how much rope is lowered into it. When we look at how much rope was lowered from heaven, we realize how grave our situation really is. It wasn't the Roman soldiers or the Jews alone that put Jesus on the cross we are ALL guilty, it was our sins that made it necessary for Jesus to volunteer for this torturous and humiliating death.

Rom 5:6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Jesus didn't die for us while we were his friends but while we were his enemies - opposing him by our sinfulness! Yet in spite of all this, God demonstrated his love for us by dying on the cross. He died for you and for me! Gal 2:20 says that Christ loved ME and gave himself for ME. This is where it gets personal. You need to know this for yourself a personal revelation and life changing encounter with Jesus.

Listen, whenever you are tempted to doubt God's love for you, take a LONG look at THE CROSS on which Jesus died. Know this, I do not think it was nails alone that held him there on the cross, but HIS LOVE FOR YOU AND ME.

We sang on Sunday, 'I will fall at your feet, I will fall at your feet and I will worship you here' I think that is our ONLY response to Jesus.

When things don't go to plan..

2010-01-28T11:06:00.001Z

I read a great post today by Mac Lake and wanted to share it...

No matter how good our plans there are times we as leaders face disappointments. The dictionary says, Disappointment is a feeling of being let down, a feeling of sadness or frustration because something was not as good, attractive, or satisfactory as expected, or because something hoped for did not happen” As I look back over my years in ministry there have been several times I can recall having this disheartening emotion. Unchecked disappointment leads to discouragement, cynicism or even a sense of resignation.

It’s interesting that God encourages us to plan, yet allows unexpected detours or interruptions to those plans. While frustrating, detours are beneficial because they remind me that I’m not in control and keep me listening to the heart of God.

I have to remind myself that it ’s frequently God’s plan that things not go as I planned. And God desires to use the detours, interruptions and obstacles to grow my courage, persistence, patience, endurance, character and humility. When a leader engages disappointment by listening to the Truth of God he hears, “Keep on believing, keep moving forward, I’ve not abandoned you…I’m simply growing you.”

Facing an unexpected disappointment today? Check out Jesus words in John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prune so that it will be even more fruitful.

Brilliant!!

If you want to be a good leader, Listen more

2010-01-19T14:06:00.000Z

One of the most overlooked competencies in leadership today is the skill of listening. Listening enables the leader to maximize what God’s doing while minimizing mistakes, maximize team member’s strengths while minimizing their weaknesses, maximize employee engagement while minimizing misunderstandings. As leaders we can’t afford not to listen because the price is too high.

But leaders like to move fast which doesn’t always lend itself to listening. A large part of leadership is about understanding, discerning, reading people, assessing your culture, hearing God and then taking action. All which require listening. I mean really actively listening to people. I find it interesting that Solomon, a ”get it done” leader himself, repeated the instruction, “Listen” over 20 times in the 31 chapters of Proverbs. Perhaps he emphasized it so much because we aren’t quite as good at listening as we think.

So what is the taletale sign that you are a good listener? Your people feel valued, respected, esteemed, appreciated and loved.

A moving Story..The sound of opportunity and potential

2010-01-11T12:18:00.002Z

Use your gifts and make the most of your opportunities. You gifts have been given to you for a purpose; so that you might feel fulfilled, be a blessing to others and bring glory to God! Don't get focused on what others have and rob yourself others and God, use what you have - YOU ARE UNIQUE!

10 commitments for the New Year for me

2009-12-29T14:34:00.003Z

1. I WILL equip more people and seek to do less of the ministry

Ephesians 4:11-12 says that the purpose of leaders in the church is to equip the people to do the ministry of the church.

2. I WILL build into the ministry of others rather than seeing them as tools to build my own ministry

Jethro told Moses that trying to be the solitary authority figure was wrong (Exodus 18:13-24). Jesus chose to invest into building 72 other ministers (Luke 10:1), 12 heavily, and three of them intimately so! I have heard many great leaders say that if they had their time again they would invest more in training and developing other leaders. Let’s have a plan!

3. I WILL develop a kingdom perspective, realizing that building the ministry of others will multiply the impact of my life

Jesus went out of his way to make sure people understood how much he demanded before they became his followers. For Christians, giving time to ministry is not optional! All must have a strong work ethic and give themselves completely in service to God. Someone once told me you will never build a great church and be able to go to the beach every other weekend. Think about your own commitment before judging others!!

4. I WILL be an encourager of others in ministry

In a world full of negative attitudes and criticism, I will demonstrate Christ’s love by celebrating the accomplishments of others more. I will seek to push others to excel and take steps of faith.

5. I WILL call people boldly to become who God has called them to be

I will boldly invite them to contribute their time to the most significant cause in the universe.

6. I WILL devote resources to developing others

I will seek more ways to assist the training and equipping of the leaders that work with me. I will continually challenge them to personal growth and development. I will give more constructive feedback,

7. I WILL laugh more!

The eternal consequence of one soul is worthy of the most serious effort there is for sure. However, the Bible speaks of love and joy as a hallmark of a follower of Christ. Infact, the Bible says that the joy of the Lord IS my strength. Laughter is like medicine to the heart and is crucial for the journey ahead.

8. I WILL forgive myself for past mistakes

God chose me to do what I do. He chose to work through me knowing that I am not perfect. I will spend time consciously determining what I need to learn from my mistakes and then I will join God in casting them into the Sea of Forgetfulness.

9. I WILL remember the ONE Thing

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus reminded Martha that while all her attempts to serve him were good, the ONE thing most important was developing a growing relationship with Jesus. I will remember that ultimately it is not about my ministry or my church. Ultimately, it’s about developing a growing relationship with Jesus.

10. I WILL keep these resolutions longer than the one about dieting and exercise

Don't need to comment any more on this.

If you are a leader, why not join me in this and see where we are by the end of 2010.

Oral Roberts died

2009-12-16T14:17:00.003Z

Dr. Oral Roberts, a legendary evangelist who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century, died today in Newport Beach, Calif., due to complications from pneumonia. His son, Richard, and daughter, Roberta, were at his side. The founder of Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and Oral Roberts University was 91.

Another general of the Christian faith is finally called home to heaven and to the saviour he loved and gave his life in service to spreading the gospel around the world. An extraordinary man with great faith and endurance who has inspired leaders for many years and has been used by God powerfully. I salute him and know that heaven would stand in applause of this man. His life has brought honour to the name of Jesus.

Oral will be sadly missed and my prayers are for his family at this time.

I am just left today thinking again about my own legacy and impact in this world for Christ. The baton is in our hands for just a short time and then it's passed on whether we plan to do it or not! We all grow old and will surely die. I want to make a difference with every moment of my life and not waste a single minute. I have prayed today that Jesus would strengthen me to run my race in my day with the same attitude as the Apostle Paul, like I have not obtained ANYTHING (become complacent and too comfortable) and stay focused on RUNNING (Urgency and effort) towards the goal of being Christ's ambassador here on earth.

Let's ask God to use us for his honour and glory in this generation.